Photocopying, Visual Inspection of Ghana Card now an Offence for Identity Verification – NIA
The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced that it is now an offence for institutions and organisations to photocopy, scan, retain, or rely on the visual inspection of the Ghana Card for identity verification, following the coming into force of the National Identity Register (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2523).
According to a press release issued on Wednesday, the new regulations introduce a more secure identity verification system that requires real-time biometric verification against the NIA’s database, replacing the traditional practice of visually inspecting or photocopying the Ghana Card during transactions.
According to the NIA, the regulations were signed by the Minister responsible for the National Identification System, Mr Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, on March 27, 2026, under Section 73(1) of the National Identity Register Act, 2008 (Act 750), as amended. They were gazetted on the same day and came into effect on June 9, 2026.
Under the new legal regime, organisations are prohibited from requesting, photocopying, scanning or retaining copies of the Ghana Card for identity verification purposes, except where specifically permitted by law.
In addition, where biometric verification facilities are available, individuals will no longer be required to present the physical Ghana Card.
The NIA explained that the amendments are aimed at strengthening identity security, safeguarding the personal data of Ghana Card holders and eliminating opportunities for identity fraud and misuse.
To facilitate the implementation of the new verification system, the Authority said it would provide onboarding, technical support and public education to organisations that are required to integrate with its Identity Verification System Platform (IVSP).
It has, therefore, directed businesses, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as all public and private institutions that verify the identities of clients as part of their operations, to begin the onboarding process onto the IVSP without delay.
The Authority noted that under the new verification regime, identity verification must be conducted through real-time biometric authentication against the NIA database, adding that photocopying the Ghana Card and relying on visual inspection as proof of identity are no longer acceptable methods.
It further emphasised that the physical Ghana Card would not be required where real-time biometric verification services are available.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
