NIA begins nationwide crackdown on illegal Ghana Card photocopying, warns of GH¢24,000 fines
The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced a nationwide enforcement exercise targeting institutions that unlawfully photocopy Ghana Cards or use visual inspection instead of approved biometric systems to verify the identities of customers.
The National Identification Authority (NIA) is initiating a country-wide crackdown on institutions that unlawfully photocopy Ghana Cards or employ visual identification methods instead of approved biometric verification systems. The authority has issued warnings that entities found in violation of the National Identity Register (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (L.I.
2523), could face prosecution and fines up to GH¢24,000. This enforcement action comes into effect following the expiry of the grace period granted to institutions for compliance with the new regulations, which mandate biometric verification for transactions requiring identity checks. Head of Corporate Affairs at the NIA, Williams Ampomah Darlas, announced the deployment of the Biometric Verification Taskforce on November 3, 2026, to enforce compliance nationwide.
The task force will visit institutions to verify adherence to the new law, L.I. 2523, requiring the use of approved biometric methods for identity verification in transactions. The head emphasized the transition from public education and stakeholder engagement during the grace period to active enforcement, urging institutions to comply to avoid sanctions, including prosecution and substantial fines.
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