Security breach at NIA...

[InfoSec News <alerts () infosecnews org>]

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=234218

GhanaWeb
28 March 2012

Ex-convict in charge of national ID cards

Security at the head office of the National Identification Authority 
(NIA) in Accra has been seriously breached, as Today can categorically 
state that all the secured components that can be used to mould national 
identification cards have been put under the direct care and control of 
an ex-convict who was recently sentenced by an Accra Circuit Court.

The ex-convict, Mr. Peter Kokoi, alongside his accomplices, were 
sentenced by the court on their own guilty plea to stealing industrial 
photocopier machines of the NIA in November 2011.

Another aspect of their trial (criminal aspect) is still on-going. But 
in what many consider to be a strange move, the management of the NIA in 
January this year singled out Mr. Kokoi and recalled him from 
suspension, even though his conduct warranted outright dismissal or at 
best a demotion.

Even though the letter that recalled Mr. Kokoi from suspension stated in 
black and white that he was going to be reassigned, Today has discovered 
that the ex-convict has been reinstated to his previous position and 
promoted from Deputy Manager in charge of Card Production to Deputy 
Director responsible for Card Production.

That decision of the management of NIA, Today understands, is raising 
suspicion and also heightening concerns about the safety of the secured 
components used for the production of the national ID cards.

But earlier when this paper reached Dr. Ahadzie on a similar issue, he 
said: “I do not want to comment on NIA.”

Components such as blank cards and the hologram which is custom made for 
Ghana are in the care of the ex-convict.

The strong room where the components as well as already made ID cards 
awaiting distribution to their owners are also in Mr. Kokoi’s care.

Many staff members of the NIA are bewildered as to how their management 
could exercise its discretionary powers against the national interest.

Because in other jurisdictions persons with questionable character will 
not have access to security institutions let alone be employed to be in 
charge of national ID card production.

And to avoid persons with criminal records or criminal disposition being 
enlisted into institutions that handle very sensitive data, prospective 
employees are subjected to rigorous background security checks.

[...]

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