Ghana Tightens ID Card Verification: Businesses Must Use Biometric Scans, Photocopies Banned

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:38:58 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Ghana now requires businesses to use biometric scans for checking national ID cards, banning photocopies and visual checks to curb fraud.

The Ghanaian government has introduced new rules that make biometric verification mandatory for all businesses and organizations dealing with national ID cards. Until now, many simply photographed or copied the card, enabling fraud. The revamped National Identification Authority (NIA) will provide a mobile app that scans and verifies biometric data, including fingerprints and iris scans. Failure to comply can lead to heavy fines, with organisations facing up to 24,000 cedis and individuals up to 6,000 cedis. The agency urges swift adoption of the system and promises further public briefing shortly.

Ghana Tightens ID Card Verification: Businesses Must Use Biometric Scans, Photocopies Banned

In a decisive move to curb identity fraud, Ghana's National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced that all businesses and institutions must now verify the Ghana Card using a dedicated biometric app. The law makes it an offence to simply photocopy or visually inspect the card for any transaction.

Until recently, many organisations relied on hand‑written copies or visual checks, a practice that left room for criminals to impersonate real cardholders. The Ghana Card, introduced over a decade ago, stores a wealth of biometric data: ten fingerprints, iris scans, a photograph and the holder's signature.

The new regulation requires a mobile phone app that scans the card and cross‑checks all biometric information. Mentorn, NIA's chief Secretariat, said firms that do not comply risk fines of up to 24,000 Ghanaian cedis (about $2,100) for organisations, and up to 6,000 cedis (about $525) for individuals.

The NIA has urged all compliant organisations to activate the app immediately, and promised an upcoming public briefing on implementation steps. The crackdown reflects Ghana's growing commitment to harness technology for improved security and financial integrity.

Additional reporting by Thomas Naadi in Accra.