Ghana has introduced new regulations requiring all businesses and institutions to verify national identity cards using a biometric digital system, effectively banning the use of photocopies and visual inspections for official transactions.
The new directive is aimed at strengthening identity verification, reducing fraud and preventing criminals from impersonating legitimate cardholders.
Ghana Makes Biometric ID Verification Compulsory
Under the new rules issued by the National Identification Authority (NIA), organisations must use the official biometric verification application to authenticate every Ghana Card presented during transactions.
Previously, many institutions relied on visual inspection or photocopies of the national identity card, a practice authorities say created opportunities for identity theft and fraud.
The NIA says biometric verification is now the only legally recognised method for confirming a person’s identity.
Photocopies of Ghana Cards Now Prohibited
The NIA warned that it is now an offence to photocopy or rely solely on visual inspection of a Ghana Card for identity verification during official transactions.
Businesses, financial institutions and other organisations that fail to comply with the directive could face fines of up to 24,000 Ghanaian cedis, while individuals risk penalties of up to 6,000 Ghanaian cedis.
Authorities have also urged organisations that have not yet integrated with the government’s digital identity verification platform to begin the registration process immediately.
Ghana Card Remains Central to Public Services
The Ghana Card serves as the country’s official biometric national identity card for both Ghanaian citizens and legally resident foreign nationals.
The card contains biometric information, including fingerprints, iris scans, a photograph and the holder’s signature.
It is required for a wide range of services, including opening bank accounts, registering SIM cards, obtaining passports, applying for driver’s licences and accessing other government services.
Government to Roll Out Implementation Guidelines
The Director General of the National Identification Authority, Wisdom Yayra Koku Deku, said the government will soon provide additional guidance on implementing the new regulations and ensuring nationwide compliance.
The measures form part of Ghana’s broader digital identity strategy, which aims to improve security, enhance public service delivery and strengthen confidence in the country’s identity management system.
Officials believe mandatory biometric verification will significantly reduce identity fraud while improving the reliability of digital transactions across both the public and private sectors.
