No new Ghana Cards required under biometric verification law – NIA

The National Identification Authority says Ghanaians will continue using their existing cards as enforcement of the new biometric identity verification regulations begins, with institutions warned against relying on visual checks or photocopies.

The National Identification Authority (NIA) has assured the public that Ghanaians are not required to register for new Ghana Cards or recapture their biometric information under the National Identity Register (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, also known as L.I. 2523.

The clarification comes as the Authority moves to enforce the new rules governing identity verification, which require organisations covered by the law to use approved biometric methods rather than relying solely on visual inspection of the Ghana Card.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, November 2, the NIA’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, stressed that the existing Ghana Card remains valid.

He explained that the new system uses biometric information already captured during registration, including fingerprints and other approved identifying features, to confirm that the person presenting the card is its rightful owner.

Visual inspection and photocopying prohibited

Under L.I. 2523, institutions required to verify identities for regulated transactions must use biometric verification methods approved by the NIA.

The regulations prohibit covered organisations from relying on photocopies, scanned images or simple visual inspection of the Ghana Card as substitutes for biometric authentication.

The changes are intended to reduce identity theft, impersonation and fraud, while limiting the unnecessary collection and storage of citizens’ personal information.

The regulations came into force on June 9, 2026, and the government subsequently granted institutions a three-month transition period to prepare for compliance. The NIA says that period has now ended.

Enforcement to begin nationwide

The Authority is expected to deploy a Biometric Verification Implementation Task Force from Tuesday, November 3, to inspect institutions and monitor compliance.

According to the NIA, organisations that fail to comply could face prosecution and fines ranging from 500 to 2,000 penalty units, depending on the offence. Non-compliant institutions could also lose access to the NIA’s verification platform.

Mr Darlas has urged affected organisations to complete the required onboarding process and obtain access to the Authority’s approved verification systems directly, warning against unauthorised third-party arrangements.

What the new rules mean for Ghana Card holders

The NIA’s clarification means citizens do not need to replace their existing cards simply because the verification rules have changed.

However, people accessing services that require identity checks should expect biometric authentication where prescribed by law. Some telecommunications transactions may still require the physical card for an approved match-on-card fingerprint check.

The Authority says the reforms are designed to strengthen confidence in Ghana’s national identification system while protecting citizens against the misuse of their personal information.