The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced a raft of reforms to enhance its service delivery, reduce congestion at registration centers, address public concerns, and strengthen the security of the Ghana Card system.
At a press briefing in Accra, the Head of Corporate Affairs, Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, outlined several significant developments as part of the Authority’s renewed commitment to efficient and accountable service.
Registration Centre Relocated for Efficiency
Mr. Darlas announced that the Authority has relocated its registration center from its headquarters to the Greater Accra Regional Office, situated at the Regional Coordinating Council near City Campus.
He explained that the move, led by NIA Acting Executive Secretary Mr. Wisdom Kwaku Deku, is part of a broader plan to refurbish and modernize the headquarters. He assured that regional offices, including those in the Central and Upper East and West Regions, remain fully operational.
Online Booking Platform Reintroduced
To ease pressure at registration centers, the NIA has reintroduced its online registration and booking system—previously used for diaspora services—for domestic use on a pilot basis.
Currently available at selected premium centers in Accra, the platform allows applicants to book appointments for first-time registration only. Updates and replacement bookings will be added next month.
“Management assures the public that the online system is secure. There have been attempted cyberattacks, but no known breaches. Our team includes some of the best tech and biometric experts,” Mr. Darlas said. “The public can be confident that their data is safe.”
Over 800,000 Cards Remain Uncollected
The Authority disclosed that 822,440 Ghana Cards remain unclaimed. Out of the 18,777,623 Ghanaians registered, 17,499,800 cards have been issued.
NIA is currently verifying whether the uncollected cards belong to individuals who are deceased or may have obtained replacements. Meanwhile, all backlogs from March 2023 to 2025 have been cleared, and district offices have been resupplied with blank cards.
Mr. Darlas urged the public to visit their respective centers to retrieve their cards.
Crackdown on Extortion and Unauthorized Fees
Responding to public complaints of extortion, Mr. Darlas reaffirmed that while services at premium centers are fee-based, all district office charges are regulated—GH₵60 for the replacement of lost cards, for example.
“We urge the public to report extortion through our helplines: 0302-999306 and 0302-349306. We’ve deployed mystery shoppers to monitor compliance, and several staff members have already been interdicted,” he revealed.
He encouraged the public to assist in disciplinary investigations by providing testimonies. “We can only act on allegations if complainants follow through.”
The NIA has issued a directive to institutions, particularly banks, to stop making photocopies of Ghana Cards. Instead, they are advised to subscribe to the NIA’s biometric verification platform for accurate and secure identity checks.
Clarification on Foreign National Prefixes
The Authority also addressed confusion surrounding individuals who initially registered as foreign nationals but have since acquired Ghanaian citizenship.
It clarified that the country prefix (e.g., USA, LBN) on such cards remains unchanged. Institutions are urged to recognize this legal status and avoid frustrating applicants.
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
