Ghana makes biometric ID checks compulsory, bans photocopies

Ghana has introduced strict new rules requiring all businesses and institutions in the country to use a biometric app scanner to check national identity cards. The move aims to strengthen security and curb fraud.

Until now, many organisations have only visually checked or photocopied the card for their records, which has made it possible for criminals to impersonate someone. All Ghanaian citizens and foreign residents must carry a plastic biometric national ID known as the "Ghana Card".

Introduced over the last decade, the Ghana Card has become central to daily life in the West African nation. It is needed to access banking services, register SIM cards, and obtain a passport or driver's licence. The biometric data captured on the card by the National Identification Authority (NIA) includes 10 fingerprints, iris scans, as well as a photograph and signature.

In future, those checking the card will have to use a mobile phone app that verifies the data after scanning the card. "It is now an offence to photocopy or visually inspect a Ghana Card for the purpose of transaction. Biometric verification is now mandatory," said Wisdom Yayra Koku Deku, the NIA chief, in a statement.

Organisations that continue using photocopies or visual ID checks risk prosecution, with fines of up to 24,000 Ghanaian cedis (about $2,100 or £1,550). Individuals face fines of up to 6,000 Ghanaian cedis (about $525 or £390). The NIA urged organisations not yet connected to its digital identity verification app to begin the process immediately.

Deku said the government would, in the coming days, brief the public on the implementation of the amended regulations and measures to ensure compliance.