The National Identification Authority (NIA) will make biometric verification mandatory for all transactions involving the Ghana Card. This change aims to curb identity fraud and enhance national security. The NIA's Executive Secretary, Wisdom Kwaku Deku, announced this plan during the Authority's 20th-anniversary celebration.
Proposed amendments to the National Identity Register Regulations will make it an offence to rely on photocopies or visual inspections of the Ghana Card. These amendments, currently before Parliament, signal a major shift in how the card is used. The new regulations will only recognize biometric verification as valid proof of identity for all transactions.
This initiative aligns with Ghana's broader push for universal legal identity coverage. The NIA has resumed nationwide registration for children aged 6 to 14. Since May 5, 2026, the Authority has registered over 90,000 children in the Volta and Oti Regions. Technical challenges for registering children aged 0 to 5 have also been resolved, connecting critical age groups to Ghana's identity system.
Mr. Deku emphasized that these changes are crucial for building the digital foundation of modern Ghana. He stated, 'It will now be an offence to make photocopies or merely rely on visual inspections of the card. All transactions must go through biometric verification.' This statement highlights the Authority's commitment to ensuring data integrity and combating misuse of identity credentials.
The mandatory biometric verification will significantly impact various sectors, including banking, telecommunications, and public services. It aims to reduce fraud, impersonation, and the use of fake identities across the economy. Businesses and financial institutions will need to integrate biometric authentication systems, ensuring compliance and enhancing transactional security.
Ghana's digital identity journey has gained international recognition. The Ghana Card is now accepted at over 44,000 airports worldwide and facilitates travel within the ECOWAS sub-region. This international acceptance underscores the reliability and security of Ghana's identity system. The NIA has registered over 19.4 million Ghanaians and processed more than 200 million biometric verification requests without interruption.
This push for mandatory biometric verification is central to Ghana's digital transformation agenda. Connecting services to a verified biometric database is expected to improve public administration efficiency. It will also reduce duplication of services and enhance accountability across government ministries. The NIA urges institutions to prepare for this transition as the amended regulations near parliamentary approval.
The expansion of child registration will also ensure all Ghanaians have access to essential services. This includes education, healthcare, and social welfare programs. Accurate population data derived from comprehensive identity registration will also improve national planning and resource allocation. Ghana's identity ecosystem continues to evolve, setting a strong precedent for digital integration.