NIA bans photocopying and scanning of Ghana Cards under new verification rules

The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced new regulations prohibiting public and private institutions from photocopying, scanning, or retaining copies of Ghana Cards for identification purposes. These rules, outlined in Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2523, aim to enhance identity verification and safeguard citizens' personal information.

Under the new directives, institutions must adopt biometric verification methods instead of visual inspection or physical card copies. Head of the Corporate Affairs Directorate, Mr. Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, emphasized that institutions violating these rules could face legal consequences. Despite the prohibition on photocopying or scanning, institutions can still request physical Ghana Cards for biometric verification, such as fingerprint matching.

Mr. Darlas clarified that the regulation does not require citizens to obtain new cards or undergo biometric registration, as existing cards contain biometric data. The NIA's primary objective is to prevent identity fraud and impersonation, which are significant issues in the country's identity verification system. Institutions using the Ghana Card are advised to review their verification procedures to ensure compliance with the new requirements.

The implementation of L.I. 2523 follows a preparatory three-month phase, including public awareness campaigns and consultations with various entities to facilitate the transition to the new regulations.