16/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE
Government Makes Biometric Verification Mandatory for Ghana Card Verification Under New L.I. 2523
The National Identification Authority (NIA) wishes to inform the public that the National Identity Register
(Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2523) have come into force, introducing a new and more secure way of verifying the identity of Ghana Card holders.
The Regulations were signed by the Minister responsible for the National Identification System, Hon. Muntaka
Mohammed Mubarak, on 27th March 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 9th June 2026.
This means that visual inspection of the Ghana Card is no longer sufficient, and organisations must not request,photocopy, scan or retain copies of the Ghana Card for identity verification purposes, except where permitted by law. Where biometric verification is available, there is no requirement for individuals to present the physical Ghana Card.
The amendments are intended to strengthen identity security, protect the personal data of Ghana Card holders,
and eliminate opportunities for identity fraud and misuse. To support a smooth transition, the NIA will provide
onboarding, technical support and public education for organisations required to integrate with the Identity Verification System Platform.
Businesses, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and all institutions that verify identity as part of their operations are therefore required to commence onboarding onto the NIA's Identity Verification System Platform
(IVSP) without delay. Visit www.nia.gov.gh or email us at [email protected] to begin your onboarding process.
In simple terms:
• Identity verification must now be done through real-time biometric verification against the NIA's database.
• No photocopying of the Ghana Card for identity verification.
• No visual inspection of the Ghana Card as proof of identity.
• No requirement to present the physical Ghana Card where real-time biometric verification is available.
The Minister responsible for the National Identification System will, in the coming days, address the public on the implementation roadmap for the nationwide rollout of the new verification regime.
End.
16th July 2026
Signed,
Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas
Head, Corporate Affairs Directorate, NIA
