The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced that institutions can no longer rely on visual inspection or photocopies of the Ghana Card for identity verification following the implementation of the National Identity Register (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2523).
The regulations, which took effect on June 9, 2026, require identity verification to be conducted through real-time biometric authentication against the NIA database. Where biometric verification is available, individuals will no longer be required to present the physical Ghana Card.
According to the NIA, the new system is designed to strengthen identity verification, protect citizens’ personal data, and curb identity fraud.
Banks, hospitals, insurance companies, schools, ministries, departments and agencies, and other organisations that verify identities are required to integrate with the NIA’s Identity Verification System Platform (IVSP). The Authority says it will provide technical support to facilitate the transition.
The regulations, signed by the Minister responsible for the National Identification System, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, also prohibit the routine photocopying of Ghana Cards for identity verification, except where permitted by law.
The NIA has urged all institutions to begin onboarding onto the verification platform as Ghana transitions to a biometric-based identity verification system.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Amartey Ibrahim