Interior Ministry gives banks, telcos and hospitals November 2 to stop Ghana Card photocopying

The government has directed banks, telecommunications companies, hospitals, schools and other institutions to stop requesting photocopies of Ghana Cards for identity verification and transition to biometric authentication by November 2, 2026.

The directive follows the coming into force of the National Identity Register (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2523), on June 9, 2026.

A three-month transition period, running from July 27 to November 2, 2026, has been provided to enable institutions to acquire the necessary technology, train personnel and complete integration with the National Identification Authority’s (NIA) Identity Verification System before enforcement begins.

The government said the new measures are aimed at strengthening Ghana’s identity verification framework, reducing identity theft and protecting citizens’ personal information by making biometric authentication the standard method for confirming identities.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, said the amended regulations were introduced to safeguard one of the most important assets of every citizen — their identity.

"We have put in place a safeguard for what is most personal to every citizen, your identity," he said.

Under the new regulations, institutions will no longer be allowed to request, store, reproduce or rely on photocopies, scanned copies or images of Ghana Cards for verification purposes.

They will also be prohibited from relying solely on visual inspection of the card and must instead verify identities electronically through the National Identity Register or approved match-on-card biometric devices provided by the NIA.

Mr Muntaka explained that the previous practice of simply checking Ghana Cards visually or keeping copies of them did not provide adequate proof of identity and created opportunities for misuse of personal data.

"For too long, identity checks in this country have relied on officers glancing at the card or a business photocopying and filing it away," he said.

"A photocopy can be altered. A scanned image can be misused or reused without the owner's knowledge or consent. A Ghana Card can be presented by someone who is not the rightful owner. A visual check alone cannot confirm identity."

He said biometric verification would allow institutions to confirm instantly that the person presenting the Ghana Card is the legitimate owner without creating unnecessary records of personal information that could be exposed or misused.

The change means that customers accessing services from banks, hospitals, insurance companies, telecommunications firms, schools, government agencies and other organisations will no longer be required to submit copies of their Ghana Cards. Instead, their identities will be confirmed through approved electronic verification systems.

The Interior Minister urged all institutions involved in identity verification to complete their connection to the NIA’s Identity Verification System before the end of the transition period.

He added that the NIA had published technical requirements for approved portable card readers and biometric verification devices and would provide support and public education throughout the implementation process.

Sanctions for non-compliance
Mr Muntaka warned that institutions that fail to comply with the new regulations would face sanctions, including financial penalties, suspension or termination of access to the NIA’s Identity Verification System.

He further stated that individuals who misuse Ghana Cards or deliberately refuse authorised identity verification procedures, including fingerprint scanning or live photograph checks where required, could face legal consequences.

According to him, the NIA will establish an enforcement team to monitor compliance, investigate breaches and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure the regulations are followed nationwide.

He said the penalties were necessary to ensure accountability and prevent organisations from continuing practices that expose citizens’ personal information to unnecessary risks.

Measures to tackle identity theft
The Interior Minister said the introduction of biometric verification would make it more difficult for criminals to impersonate others or use stolen identities to commit offences.

He explained that relying only on physical inspection of identification documents could lead to identity fraud, as individuals with similar appearances may not always be easily distinguished.

"It is very, very easy for people to steal other people's identity in this country," he said.

"You and I must work together to support the security agencies to make sure people cannot steal other people's data and use it for the wrong reasons."

Mr Muntaka also disclosed that government was working with the Ministry responsible for communications on measures to strengthen identity verification in relation to SIM registration. He said details of the exercise would be announced after the necessary arrangements had been completed.

Public reporting of breaches
Addressing concerns about institutions that may continue demanding photocopies of Ghana Cards after the transition period, Mr Muntaka said the NIA would provide toll-free numbers for citizens to report violations.

He said the amended regulations give the Authority stronger enforcement powers, including the ability to recommend sanctions such as licence withdrawal or business closure where applicable under the law.

"You have a right to expect that your Ghana Card will not be casually photocopied in any organisation," he said.

"This law exists to protect you, not to burden you."

Mr Muntaka assured the public that government would work with relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth nationwide rollout of the biometric verification system while enforcing the regulations to protect the identity and personal data of all Ghanaians.