The National Identification Authority (NIA) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing Ghanaians with a secure and verifiable national identity, describing it as a fundamental human right and a practical necessity for access to essential services.
Speaking at this year’s Identity Day celebration, the Executive Secretary of the NIA Wisdom Kwaku Deku emphasized that the Ghana Card remains the only legally recognized form of identification for all public and private transactions, in line with Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2111 of 2012.
“Identity is not a privilege; it is a fundamental human right. Without a recognized and verifiable identity, citizens are excluded from education, health care, financial services, and participation in national development,” he stated.
He noted that service providers must integrate into the NIA’s Identity Verification System Platform (IVSP) to ensure real-time authentication of persons, stressing that photocopies of the Ghana Card are not sufficient for establishing identity.
The Executive Secretary highlighted several reforms and achievements since assuming office in January 2025. These include:
Clearing a backlog of 600,000 unprinted cards, with over 700,000 now distributed to districts.
Full operation of district offices nationwide, offering free first-time registration.
Expansion of premium service centres from 8 to 15 across the regions.
Introduction of an online registration and appointment booking system, currently piloted in Greater Accra, Ashanti, Volta, Eastern, and Northern regions.
Ongoing collaboration with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to provide 24/7 registration strictly for online applicants.
The NIA also announced that it will soon begin stakeholder engagements to amend Acts 707 (2006), 750 (2008), and L.I. 2111 to make biometric verification mandatory in all identity-based transactions, with punitive measures for non-compliance.
In addition, the Authority revealed progress on infrastructure upgrades, including CCTV installation, access control systems, and refurbishment works done through corporate support at no cost to government. The NIA is also working towards ISO certification to position itself as a world-class identity management institution.
On child registration, Mr. Wisdom Kwaku Deku disclosed that over 350,000 cards for children aged 6–14, registered in 2024, have been printed and will be distributed from September 23 in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
So far, the NIA has issued 17,855,708 Ghana Cards, updated 207,322 records, and replaced 585,337 cards. A total of over 19.7 million Ghanaians (9,886,265 males and 9,869,094 females) have been registered.
The NIA, which recently won the “Most Efficient Public Service Delivery” award at the Ghana Integrity Awards organized by the Ghana Integrity Initiative, expressed gratitude to its technical partner, Identity Management Systems (IMS II), and other institutions for supporting its mandate.
“Together with our partners, we will continue to safeguard identity as the backbone of national development. On behalf of the board, management, and staff, I wish all Ghanaians a happy identity Day.”
The day would be climax on Friday with a football match at the Legon Training pitch
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
