Ghana Sets Deadline to End Ghana Card Photocopying

The Government of Ghana has announced deadline that banks, telecommunications companies, hospitals, schools, and other institutions must stop requesting or storing photocopies of Ghana Cards for identity verification by November 2, 2026. Instead, they will be required to use biometric authentication systems approved by the National Identification Authority (NIA).

The directive follows the implementation of the National Identity Register (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2523), which came into effect on June 9, 2026. The government has provided a three-month transition period to allow organizations to upgrade their systems, train staff, and integrate with the NIA’s Identity Verification System before the new requirements become fully enforceable.

The new regulations are designed to strengthen identity verification across Ghana while reducing the growing risk of identity theft, document fraud, and misuse of personal information. Officials say traditional practices such as photocopying identity cards or relying on visual inspections no longer provide adequate protection for citizens or institutions.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Minister for the Interior Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak said the reforms represent an important step toward safeguarding the identities of Ghanaians.

According to the minister, the government has introduced stronger measures to protect citizens’ most valuable personal information by ensuring identity verification is based on secure biometric technology rather than paper copies of identification cards.

Under the amended regulations, organizations will no longer be allowed to request, retain, reproduce, or rely on photocopies, scanned copies, or digital images of Ghana Cards when confirming a person’s identity. Institutions will also be prohibited from relying solely on visual inspection of the physical card.

Instead, organizations must electronically verify a person’s identity through the National Identification Register or use National Identification Authority-approved match-on-card verification devices. These systems compare the cardholder’s biometric information, such as fingerprints, directly with the data stored on the Ghana Card, providing a more reliable method of authentication.

Government officials say the previous system created significant security risks because photocopies and scanned images can easily be altered, duplicated, or used without the cardholder’s knowledge or consent. In many cases, a person could present another individual’s Ghana Card, and a simple visual inspection would be unable to confirm whether the presenter was the rightful owner.

The minister explained that identity verification based only on examining the card or keeping photocopies leaves both businesses and customers vulnerable to fraud. Biometric authentication, however, confirms the identity of the individual rather than simply validating the appearance of the identification document.

The transition period ending on November 2 gives institutions time to complete several preparations before enforcement begins. Organizations are expected to acquire compatible biometric verification devices where necessary, integrate their systems with the National Identification Authority’s verification platform, update internal procedures, and train employees on the new verification process.

The directive affects a broad range of public and private institutions that routinely verify customer identities. Financial institutions, mobile network operators, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, insurance providers, and other organizations that require identity verification during service delivery will all be expected to comply with the new standards.

Government officials believe the move will improve public confidence in identity verification while strengthening efforts to combat financial fraud, identity theft, and unauthorized use of personal information.

The reforms also support Ghana’s broader digital transformation agenda by encouraging secure electronic verification instead of paper-based record keeping. Digital identity verification is expected to improve service delivery, reduce administrative delays, and enhance the protection of sensitive personal data.

The National Identification Authority will continue supporting institutions throughout the transition period by providing technical guidance and facilitating integration with its Identity Verification System. Organizations that have not completed the required upgrades by the November deadline could face regulatory consequences once enforcement begins.

The government has encouraged institutions to begin implementation immediately rather than waiting until the final weeks of the transition period. Early adoption will allow organizations to identify technical challenges, train employees adequately, and ensure uninterrupted services after the deadline takes effect.

Officials maintain that the new biometric verification system will provide stronger protection for both institutions and the public by making identity confirmation more accurate and reducing opportunities for impersonation and document fraud.

As Ghana continues expanding digital public services, the replacement of Ghana Card photocopying with biometric authentication marks another significant step toward building a more secure, efficient, and modern national identity verification system. The government expects the reforms to improve data protection while strengthening trust in public and private sector transactions across the country.

Also Read: Ghana Launches Diplomatic Protest Over Canada Visa Denial of Thomas Partey