Press release · 16 July 2026
Biometric verification becomes mandatory for checking a Ghana Card
New regulations require organisations to verify identity against the authority's database in real time. Looking at a Ghana Card, or photocopying it, no longer counts.
The National Identity Register (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2523) are now in force. The Minister responsible for the National Identification System, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, signed them on 27 March 2026. They were gazetted the same day and took effect on 9 June 2026.
What changes
- Identity must be verified by real-time biometric check against the authority's database.
- A Ghana Card must not be photocopied, scanned or kept to verify identity, unless the law allows it.
- Looking at the card is not proof of identity.
- Where a biometric check is available, a person does not have to show the card at all.
Why
The regulations are meant to make identity more secure, protect cardholders' personal data, and close off fraud and misuse.
What organisations must do
Businesses, ministries, departments, agencies and every institution that verifies identity must begin joining the Identity Verification System Platform now. The authority will provide onboarding, technical support and public education.
The Minister will set out the timetable for the national rollout in the coming days.
Enquiries: idverification@nia.gov.gh. Issued by the Head of Corporate Affairs, Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas.
Rewritten from the press release on nia.gov.gh.