Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has announced the enforcement of the National Identity Register (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2523), which makes biometric verification the required method for confirming the identities of Ghana Card holders.
This initiative aims to strengthen the national identification system and enhance the protection of citizens’ personal data.
During a press conference in Accra on July 22, the Minister explained that the new regulations replace the previous method of identity verification, which relied on visual checks or photocopies of the Ghana Card.
Under the revised regulations, organizations providing services under Regulation 7 of the National Identity Register Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2111) must verify identities using the biometric verification system of the National Identification Authority (NIA) or approved match-on-card devices.
Hon. Muntaka stated that the regulations, signed on March 2, 2026, published on March 27, and effective from June 9, 2026, prohibit organizations from requesting, keeping, or reproducing photocopies or scanned images of the Ghana Card for identity verification.
He warned that institutions that do not comply may face financial penalties, as well as suspension or termination of access to the NIA’s Identity Verification System Platform (IVSP).
Individuals who misuse the Ghana Card or hinder lawful biometric verification could also face fines, imprisonment, or both, he added.
To ensure adherence, the Minister mentioned that the NIA would set up dedicated monitoring teams to enforce the regulations and investigate any reported violations.
He also announced a three-month transition period from July 27 to November 2, 2026, to allow public and private institutions to upgrade their systems, implement the necessary infrastructure, and train staff to meet the new requirements.
Despite this transition period, Hon. Muntaka urged organizations to start implementing the measures immediately.
He called on banks, telecommunications companies, hospitals, educational institutions, government agencies, and other service providers to promptly integrate with the NIA’s Identity Verification Systems Platforms.
The Minister encouraged Ghanaians to insist on biometric verification whenever they are asked to present their Ghana Card, rather than allowing institutions to photocopy or scan it.
According to him, the new regulations aim to enhance the security of citizens’ personal information while maintaining the integrity and credibility of Ghana’s national identification system.
Source: Bugbila Moadow.
