It’s incorrect to claim Ghana Card is equivalent to an ePassport — ICAO

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has debunked reports that it has accepted the Ghana Card issued by the National Identification Authority (NIA) as ePassport.

In a statement on the ICAO Twitter page providing clarity, it explains that although it gives recognition of Ghana’s national ID Card, it is not in its place to provide certification as an ePassport.

“ICAO is aware of recent and incorrect media reports claiming that ICAO has agreed that the Ghanaian ID card is equivalent to an ePassport. However, it is not ICAO’s role to certify the use of a State’s Identity Card for international travel in place of a passport,” a post on the Twitter page of ICAO has said.

ICAO notes that the decision to accept the Ghana Card as an ePassport is depending on the receiving country.

“A number of States worldwide accept specified national ID cards as identity documents during air travel based on bilateral agreement between issuing and receiving states. *Any* decision to accept such alternative travel identity documents is made by the receiving state itself.

“Ghana’s successful conclusion of its key ceremony on 9 February is a major milestone in its efforts to provide for more international acceptance of its electronic travel documents,” ICAO notes in its statement.

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