The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced that the National Identity Register Amendment Regulation, 2026 (L.I. 2523) will not mandate new Ghana Cards or additional biometric registrations. Head of Corporate Affairs, Mr Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, told a press conference in Accra that the amendment merely changes the verification process, making biometric checks mandatory instead of visual card inspection.
Mr Darlas explained that the current Ghana Card, which contains fingerprints, iris data and facial features on its embedded chip, will continue to serve as the official national identity document for all transactions requiring verification. Cards issued in 2018, for instance, will remain valid until 2028 in line with the ten‑year validity period.
Under the new law, institutions such as banks and telecommunications companies can use match‑on‑card verification, presenting the physical card to match stored biometrics. However, any reliance on photocopying, scanning or visual inspection would breach the regulation. Institutions linked to the NIA’s verification platform via API may also verify customers by Ghana Card number, but must avoid visual methods.
Individuals and small businesses without access to the NIA platform can use a newly developed mobile app that confirms identity with a simple yes‑or‑no response, safeguarding personal data. The NIA will announce renewal arrangements and measures to prevent long queues when cards expire.
Mr Darlas urged the public to seek clarification from the NIA on any uncertainties and to report non‑compliant institutions to the Biometric Verification Implementation Task Force hotline (030‑2999‑309). The Authority will continue public education to ensure Ghanaians understand the new requirements without undue alarm.
