Report by Ben LARYEA
The Ministry of Interior has announced that the implementation of the National Identity Register (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2523) is geared towards enhancing Ghana’s national identification system in the bid to protect the personal data of Ghanaians.
According to the Ministry, biometric verification is the only means of authenticating the holders of Ghana Card and stress that the methods of using scanned images, photocopies among others for identification transactions will be phased out.
At a well-attended news conference in Accra, the Minister of Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak said organisations that do not comply to the directive will attract the needed penalties and sanctions and will make it difficult for them to connect to the national identification verification system.
The Minister added that there will be a three-month transition period commencing from 27th July to 2nd November, 2026 to enable organisations to put in place fervent preparations within which the establish protocols will help implement the L.I. 2523.
He added that the regulations took effect on the 9th of June, 2026 and government is of the view that organisations will need time to put in place systems, infrastructure among others for the transition period to the said three-month period, stressing that the Ghana card is no longer sufficient on visual inspection thus organisations offering the transactions operate under Regulation 7 of L.1.2111.
“The transition period is granted strictly to allow for orderly implementation and does not suspend or waive any obligation under the regulations hence institutions are expected to follow compliance measures immediately and be fully compliant by the end of the period; he said.
The Minister said individuals confirming another person’s identity in private or informal transaction must also use biometric verification and must not retain a photocopy or image of the card and share the data on it except as permitted by law or with the consent of the card holder.
