The National Identification Authority (NIA) has affirmed the integrity, reliability, and technological soundness of Ghana’s national digital identification system, citing the low impersonation rates, real-time deactivation protocols, and biometric-only verification model that underpins the Ghana Card infrastructure.

Dr. Fred Bedzrah, Deputy Executive Secretary in charge of Technical Services at the NIA, provided these assurances during media engagement on the agency’s ongoing work to secure and expand the use of the Ghana Card, both domestically and internationally.

“Once a Ghana Card is reported as missing, stolen, or associated with a deceased person, our systems automatically deactivate it within minutes, rendering it unusable anywhere”
Dr. Fred Bedzrah, NIA Technical Services, Deputy Executive Secretary

According to him, the system has consistently demonstrated a high level of resilience against impersonation, noting that in the last three months alone, fewer than 1.6 impersonation attempts have been recorded per every 100,000 verification events.

He credited this performance to the legal framework backing the card, particularly L.I. 2111, which mandates biometric-only verification. Under this regulation, users cannot rely on visual card inspection alone but must verify identity through biometric features such as fingerprints and irises, significantly reducing fraudulent usage.

“That alone eliminates over 90 percent of impersonation threats,” he stressed.

Robust System

Beyond biometric enforcement, the NIA also operates a real-time revocation system that renders any flagged card inactive across its national database. This, combined with constant audit analytics, allows the agency to detect unusual usage patterns – such as rapid successive verification attempts from multiple distant regions – and respond swiftly.

The Ghana Card has evolved beyond a national identity marker to serve as a foundational instrument for governance, social services, and even international travel. Dr. Bedzrah disclosed that discussions were ongoing to extend its travel functionality.

“We are exploring bilateral agreements with other countries to extend the use of the Ghana Card for travel beyond the ECOWAS sub-region”
Dr. Fred Bedzrah, NIA Technical Services, Deputy Executive Secretary

The card is currently recognized at airports across West Africa that are equipped with electronic gates, enabling holders to pass through immigration processes more efficiently. Moreover, Ghana is working to harmonize data between the Ghana Card and the e-passport, to enhance its functionality as a travel credential.

The card issuance process itself, he explained, is designed to be rigorous and inclusive. For Ghanaians, eligibility typically requires a valid passport or birth certificate. Where such documentation is unavailable, community figures may vouch for applicants, ensuring that genuine citizens are not left out of the national identification system.

“When you meet the criteria and present adequate documents, the officer will fill a form for you and you’ll sign it to ensure accuracy of your data,” Dr. Bedzrah clarified.

Looking Ahead

He also noted the existence of the Foreign Identification Management System (FIMS), which caters to non-Ghanaian residents in the country. Ghanaians with dual citizenship are also eligible to obtain the card under designated provisions.

With over 18.7 million citizens enrolled and 18.2 million cards printed as of May 2025, the NIA has made significant strides in advancing Ghana’s digital identity landscape.

The biometric architecture supporting the Ghana Card is not only designed for identification purposes but is also intended to improve the efficiency and security of public service delivery. Dr. Bedzrah emphasized that the potential of the system extends to eliminating ghost names in payrolls and ensuring accurate targeting of state benefits.

“Compliance is key,” he insisted in achieving the best results with the Ghana card.

As Ghana seeks to digitize its governance systems and expand its global presence, the NIA remains confident that the security, design, and scalability of the Ghana Card will continue to withstand scrutiny and deliver lasting value to the citizenry.