NIA Encourages Use of Biometric Identity Verification

The National Identity Authority (NIA) has encouraged institutions to use the Identity Verification System Platform (IVSP) to verify people’s identities in business transactions.

It comes after the Authority observed that both public and private institutions continue to rely on non-biometric identity verification services contrary to National Identity Register Regulations (NIR), 2012 (L.1.2111).

“These methods do not guarantee the accuracy of an individual’s identity as recorded in the NIR. The law mandates the use of the Ghana Card for the establishment of identity.”

It emphasized that the advancements in technology and the evolving nature of identity fraud necessitate the use of biometric verification as the “most secure, reliable, and fraud-resistant method of identity verification and authentication”.

It noted that the biometric verification process prevents identity theft and impersonation; eliminates reliance on easily forged physical documents; ensures real-time verification with records of persons stored in the National Identity Register; and Supports national and international security standards.

It noted that its doors are open to mandated institutions to gain access to IVSP designed to enable the biometric verification of individuals who possess Ghana Cards against the National Identity Register.

“The NIA remains available to provide technical guidance and support for institutions mandated by law to gain access to the National Identity Register for their operational activities and upgrade their verification processes.”

“This will improve accuracy, security, and public confidence in identity verification. By using the IVSP, NIA guarantees that output data given to any institution is timestamped, accurate and auditable.”

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini