Ghana Card

The Ghana Card operates under a clear legal framework established by Parliament. The primary legislation includes:

- **National Identification Authority Act, 2006 (Act 707):** This Act established the National Identification Authority as a statutory body responsible for creating, maintaining, providing, and promoting the use of national identity cards in Ghana.
- **National Identity Register Act, 2008 (Act 750):** This Act authorized the collection of personal and biometric data for the National Identity Register and included provisions to protect the privacy and personal information of enrollees.

The NIA's mandate includes establishing a national data center, managing a national database, and setting up systems to collect, process, store, retrieve, and disseminate personal data on Ghanaian citizens and legally resident foreign nationals. The Authority also ensures the accuracy, integrity, and security of such data while issuing and promoting the use of national identity cards.

Fees for Ghana Card services are governed by parliamentary-approved regulations. The Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2512), enacted pursuant to the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2022 (Act 1080), set the current fee schedule. These revised fees took effect on 2 February 2026.

The idea of a national identification system in Ghana dates back several decades. In 1973, national identity cards were issued to citizens in border regions, including Volta, Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Brong Ahafo, and parts of the Western Region. The project was discontinued in 1976 due to logistical problems and lack of financial support.

The concept resurfaced in 1987 when the government of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), through the National Commission for Democracy, revisited the national identity card idea by establishing committees, including a Technical Implementation Committee. Economic difficulties again stalled progress.

In 2001, the National Economic Dialogue identified the National Identification System (NIS) as a major policy concern. A multisectoral Technical Committee was established to study and review earlier reports, establish principles for an integrated system, identify appropriate technologies, and develop an implementation plan. The committee completed its assignment in 2002 and submitted a report to the Cabinet.

By 2003, the National Identification Secretariat was set up to implement and manage the NIS. The Act establishing the National Identification Authority was passed in 2006. A pilot mass registration exercise took place in Abokobi and Sege in the Greater Accra Region from July 27 to August 4, 2007. Mass registration then took off in the Central Region on July 1, 2008, followed by other regions.

The process of issuing the current generation of identity cards started on July 4, 2011. In 2019, the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), the core platform technology for the NIS, was launched, enabling accurate and prompt fingerprint matching with real-time accessibility. Registration subsequently began nationwide.

The Ghana Card is available to a broad range of individuals. Eligibility extends to:

- All Ghanaian citizens aged zero (0) and above living in Ghana
- All Ghanaian citizens aged zero (0) and above living outside Ghana
- All foreign nationals legally and permanently resident in Ghana
- Foreign nationals permanently resident or cumulatively resident for at least 90 days in a calendar year, aged six (6) years and above (Non-Citizen Ghana Card)

Registration Requirements

Applicants must present one of the following mandatory documents:

- A Birth Certificate issued by the Births and Deaths Registry of Ghana
- A valid Ghana Passport issued by the Government of Ghana
- An Oath of Identity form obtained through the vouching process
- Evidence of acquired citizenship such as Naturalization or Registration Certificates

Applicants also need to provide their Digital Address Code of residence. Additional government-issued identity cards, such as a SSNIT ID card, Tax Identification Number, Driver's License, Voter ID Card, or NHIS Card, may be brought along but do not determine eligibility.

For applicants without mandatory documents, a relative aged 18 years and above who has already registered and been issued a Ghana Card can vouch for them. Alternatively, two persons aged 18 years and above who have registered and know the applicant to be Ghanaian can vouch. These individuals must belong to recognized categories such as practicing or retired teachers, gazetted chiefs, magistrates or judges, licensed professionals, civil or public servants, clergymen, imams, members of security services, or current or past members of Parliament, Assembly, or Unit Committees.

Registration Procedure

At a registration centre, documents are verified, and a Registration Officer follows these steps:

1. Interviews the applicant and assists in filling an application form
2. Captures personal information onto the National Identity Register (NIR)
3. Captures biometrics, including 10 fingerprints, irises, photograph, and signature
4. Prints a copy of captured information for the applicant to review, confirm, and sign or thumbprint
5. Prints and issues the Ghana Card using the applicant's biometrics

First-time registration for Ghanaians living in Ghana is free at NIA District Offices. First-time registration at an NIA Premium Centre costs GH¢410.

The Ghana Card is a plastic card in ID1 format, the same size as a credit card. It incorporates multiple security features designed to prevent counterfeiting and unauthorized duplication.

Security Features

The card includes:

- Aluminum watermark
- Dual interface chip module
- UV printing
- ECOWAS logo
- Embedded 148k chip
- E-passport symbol
- Guilloches forming a continuous fine pattern
- Ghost portrait of the cardholder
- Colour-changing map of Ghana
- Double rainbow that changes colour depending on the tilt of the card
- Ghana's coat of arms

Visible Information

The front of the card displays:

- "REPUBLIC OF GHANA"
- "National Identity Card"
- Surname, first name, and middle name(s)
- Sex
- Date of birth
- Height
- Randomly generated Personal ID Number (PIN)
- Date of expiry (normally 10 years after the date of issue)

Visible images include Ghana's national flag in the top left corner, Ghana's coat of arms in the top right corner, a ghost portrait of the cardholder, the main portrait, and a map of Ghana.

The card is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. Renewal and replacement services are available, with applicable fees.

The Ghana Card uniquely identifies individuals based on biometric features and can be used for verification and authentication of identity in numerous situations. Its applications span both public and private sectors.

Government Services

The card is mandatory for accessing many government services. It authenticates a person's entitlement to services such as LEAP payments and free National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) registration for persons below 18 years or above 70 years. During voter registration, the cardholder's PIN is captured to authenticate citizenship, name, age, and residence.

Passport and Driver's License

When applying for a passport, the Ghana Card holder's PIN is captured and personal information is cross-checked with the National Identification System. The card is similarly required by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) for license acquisition. The PIN is captured on driver's licenses and vehicle registration documents.

Banking and Finance

The Ghana Card serves as an identity verification document when opening bank accounts, withdrawing money, or receiving money transfers. It enables banks to establish creditworthiness and trace individuals in the event of loan default. Business registration with the Registrar General's Department requires business owners to provide their PIN.

Healthcare and Education

During NHIS registration, a cardholder's PIN and biometrics are cross-checked with the National Identification System. In education, a child's PIN is captured during enrollment into primary school and used for admission at every school level through tertiary education. This helps track progress and enables the Ministry of Education to plan for targeted infrastructure.

Telecommunications

The Ghana Card has become the acceptable verification document for SIM card registration. The National Communications Authority requires the card for getting mobile connections, helping authenticate individuals in urban areas and among migrant populations.

Other Applications

Additional uses include:

- Shipping and clearing of goods from ports
- Job search and employment verification
- Disaster management and relief distribution
- Protecting the rights of children and reuniting lost children with families
- Travelling and identity validation at airports and borders
- E-commerce and payment industry verification
- Pension claims
- Hire purchase arrangements
- Insurance claims
- Remittances from abroad

The NIA operates three categories of service centres across Ghana:

1. **District Offices:** Over 276 centres nationwide
2. **Premium Centres:** 16 centres nationwide
3. **Prestige 24/7 Centre:** Currently located at Labone, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Fee Structure

As of the revised fee regime effective 2 February 2026, the following fees apply:

- First-time registration at NIA District Offices is free (for all ages)
- First-time registration at NIA Premium Centres: GH¢410
- Card replacement: GH¢200
- Record update: Free

The NIA emphasizes that these fees were approved by Parliament under the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2512). The Prestige Centre is an optional, fee-based superior service that does not replace regular registration centres.

All payments must be made through designated channels. The NIA does not accept physical cash at its centres. Payments can be made by dialing *771# via USSD, using the CalBank App, or making payment at any CalBank branch.

The Non-Citizen Ghana Card is issued to foreign nationals residing in Ghana. It serves as proof of identity and facilitates access to essential services including healthcare, education, banking, and SIM card registration.

Eligibility for Non-Citizens

Foreign nationals eligible for the Non-Citizen Ghana Card include:

- Foreign nationals permanently resident in Ghana
- Foreign nationals cumulatively resident for at least 90 days in any calendar year
- All foreigners aged six (6) years and above

Fees for Non-Citizen Ghana Card

The fees for the Non-Citizen Ghana Card are subject to change. Applicants should verify the current fee schedule with the NIA before applying.

The registration process involves purchasing a scratch card from any CalBank branch, completing a registration form, and providing biometrics including fingerprints and photograph. The card is issued instantly upon completion.

The Ghana Card registration exercise has reached significant milestones. As at 17th August 2026, the NIA reported:

- 20,146,876 Ghanaians enrolled
- 2,004,576 cards printed
- 1,916,193 cards issued

NIA services are available at 276 District Offices, 16 Premium Centres, and the 24/7 Prestige Centre in Labone. The Authority continues to expand its reach, with immigration officers deployed to various offices to strengthen registration processes.

The Ghana Card has become an integral part of daily life in Ghana, with millions of citizens and eligible foreigners using it for day-to-day transactions. Its role as the foundational identity document continues to grow as more services integrate with the National Identification System.