General News of Monday, 19 May 2003

Source: gna

Legislation for National Identification System in the Offing

A new legislation that would give legal backing to the institution of the National Identification System would soon be put in place, Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom Minister of Energy announced on Monday.

Speaking at a Press conference, the Minister said the new law would also confirm and affirm the role of the Electoral Commission in issues relating to identification and preparation of the Voters' Register.

The press conference was to announce the third stakeholders meeting of the National Economic Dialogue (NED), which comes off in Accra next week Tuesday.

The issue of the national identification system became a contested one after government declared its intention to institute the new cards.

The EC described the government's decision as illegal since it was the only constitutionally mandated body with the authority to issue such cards throughout the country.

Dr Nduom said useful and positive dialogue between the Government and the EC had since taken place, leading to the formation of a technical committee to look at the grey areas.

"The Committee had already submitted its report and we are looking at it and will review it and come out with a report for the public," he said.

The National Economic Dialogue is a government's initiative to build consensus in setting the broad agenda with key stakeholders in efforts to accelerate national development.

Dr Nduom said government was determined to continue the process, saying changes in personnel at the helm of affairs of the NED Secretariat would not stall the process.

"It will continue to be a collaborative and collective effort from all," he said.