The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has announced the implementation of the National Identity Register (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2523), aimed at strengthening Ghana’s national identification system and enhancing the protection of citizens’ personal data.
Speaking at a press conference at the Information Services Department in Accra, the Minister explained that the Regulations make biometric verification the mandatory method for confirming the identity of Ghana Card holders, replacing the previous practice of relying on visual inspection or photocopies of the card.
Hon. Muntaka noted that the Regulations, signed on 2nd March 2026, gazetted on 27th March 2026 and effective from 9th June 2026, require organisations offering services under Regulation 7 of L.I. 2111 to verify identities through the National Identification Authority’s (NIA) biometric verification system or approved match-on-card devices. According to the Minister, organisations are no longer permitted to request, retain or reproduce photocopies or scanned images of the Ghana Card for identity verification.
The Minister stated that organisations that fail to comply risk fines and suspension or termination of access to the NIA’s Identity Verification System Platform (IVSP), while individuals who misuse the Ghana Card or obstruct lawful verification may face fines, imprisonment, or both. He added that the NIA will establish compliance teams to monitor enforcement and investigate reported breaches.
To support implementation, Hon. Muntaka announced a three-month transition period from 27th July to 2nd November 2026, allowing institutions to put the necessary systems, infrastructure and staff training in place. He, however, stressed that organisations are expected to begin compliance measures immediately.
He encouraged banks, telecommunications companies, hospitals, educational institutions, government agencies and other organisations to complete their onboarding onto the NIA’s Identity Verification System Platform without delay.
The Minister also urged Ghanaians to insist on biometric verification instead of allowing their Ghana Cards to be photocopied, emphasising that the Regulations are designed to protect citizens’ identities and personal data while safeguarding the integrity of the national identification system
