Gov’t Makes Biometric Verification Mandatory For Ghana Card Under New L.I. 2523

The government has made real-time biometric verification mandatory for all Ghana Card identity checks under the National Identity Register (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2523).

The National Identification Authority (NIA) announced the new directive on July 16, 2026, stating that a new and more secure identity verification system is now in effect across the country.

According to the Authority, all identity verification must now be done through real-time biometric checks against the NIA database.

This means visual inspection of the Ghana Card will no longer be accepted as proof of identity.

The NIA has also directed the public not to photocopy, scan or retain copies of the Ghana Card for identity verification, except where permitted by law.

The NIA further explained that where biometric verification is available, there will be no need to present the physical Ghana Card.

The move is expected to reduce fraud and strengthen the integrity of the national identification system.

All institutions that verify identities, including businesses, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), financial institutions, and all other organisations, have also been directed to comply.

They are required to onboard onto the NIA Identity Verification System Platform (IVSP) to enable them to conduct the new biometric checks.

The NIA has urged institutions yet to join the platform to do so immediately.

Organisations can visit www.nia.gov.gh or send an email to idverification@nia.gov.gh for onboarding.

The Corporate Affairs Directorate intends to intensify public education in the coming weeks.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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