The government has fully implemented the National Identification Register (Amendment) Regulation, 2026, Legislative Instrument (LI) 2523*, making biometric verification the mandatory standard for confirming identity with the Ghana Card.
The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, announced the new enforcement at a press conference at the Information Service Department (ISD) in Accra on Wednesday.
According to the Minister, the regulation was signed on *March 2, 2026*, gazetted on *March 27*, and brought into force on *June 9, 2026*. It amends the National Identity Register Regulations, 2012 (LI 2111).
End to Photocopying and Visual Checks
Hon. Muntaka said the new law effectively ends the practice of relying solely on visual inspection, photocopying, scanning or retaining images of the Ghana Card for identity verification.
“Biometric verification will confirm that the individual presenting the Ghana Card is its rightful owner, while reducing the risk of personal data being altered, misused or circulated without the knowledge or consent of cardholders,” he stated.
Under Regulation 7 of LI 2111, organizations are now required to verify identities through:
1. Biometric authentication against the National Identity Register, or
2. Machine-readable card verification* using devices approved by the *National Identification Authority (NIA).
Organizations are prohibited from requesting, retaining or reproducing photocopies, scanned copies or images of the Ghana Card. They are also barred from using any biometric method not approved by the NIA.
The law also extends to private transactions. Individuals confirming identity in informal settings must, where practicable, use biometric verification and must not retain, record or share images or data from the Ghana Card except as permitted by law or with the cardholder’s consent.
The Minister warned that failure to comply carries serious sanctions. Organizations risk thousands of penalty units, as well as suspension or termination of access to the NIA’s Identity Verification System.
Individuals who misuse a Ghana Card or refuse lawful verification by a law enforcement officer or authorized person may face fines, imprisonment, or both.
To enforce the regulation, the NIA will establish a dedicated compliance and enforcement team to conduct checks, investigate breaches and work with law enforcement agencies for nationwide compliance.
Recognizing the operational changes required, government has granted a *three-month transition period from July 27 to November 2, 2026* for institutions to acquire infrastructure, develop protocols and train staff.
“The transition period does not suspend or waive the obligations under LI 2523,” Hon. Muntaka stressed. “Institutions are expected to begin compliance measures immediately and achieve full compliance by the end of the period.”
He urged banks, telecommunications companies, insurance firms, hospitals, schools, government agencies and all other organizations that verify identities to begin or complete onboarding onto the NIA’s Identity Verification System without delay.
The Minister assured Ghanaians that the law is designed to protect them.
“Citizens have the right to expect their Ghana Cards not to be casually photocopied, scanned or filed away by organizations. You may decline requests to copy your cards where biometric verification is required,” he said.
“This law exists to protect you, not to ban you,” Hon. Muntaka added, noting that LI 2523 is intended to strengthen Ghana’s national identification system and safeguard the personal data of citizens and residents.
