Ghana Card photocopying ends: Banks, telcos and hospitals get November deadline

Banks, telecommunications companies, hospitals, schools and other institutions in Ghana have been given until November 2, 2026 to stop requesting photocopies of Ghana Cards for identity verification and switch to biometric authentication.

The deadline forms part of new identity protection measures introduced under the National Identity Register (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2523), which came into force on June 9, 2026.

The government says the move is aimed at reducing identity theft, preventing misuse of personal information and strengthening the security of Ghana's national identity system.

Announcing the changes in Accra on Wednesday, Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak said organisations that verify identities as part of their operations must move away from the practice of photocopying, scanning or storing images of Ghana Cards.

The transition period begins on July 27 and ends on November 2, 2026, giving institutions time to install approved technology, train personnel and connect their systems to the National Identification Authority's (NIA) Identity Verification System.

What will change for customers?

From November 2, institutions such as banks, mobile network operators, insurance companies, hospitals, schools and government agencies will no longer be allowed to demand photocopies or scanned copies of Ghana Cards as proof of identity.

Instead, they will be required to verify identities electronically through the NIA's approved biometric systems.

The new regulations also prevent organisations from relying only on visually checking a Ghana Card before providing services.

Mr Muntaka said the previous practice of simply looking at identity cards or keeping photocopies in files created significant risks for citizens.

"A photocopy can be altered. A scanned image can be misused or reused without the owner's knowledge or consent," he said.

He added that a person could present another individual's Ghana Card, making visual checks alone unreliable.

Why government is ending Ghana Card photocopies

The government says the reforms are necessary because personal identity information has become increasingly vulnerable to misuse.

According to the Interior Minister, biometric verification will confirm in real time that the person presenting a Ghana Card is the rightful owner without leaving copies of sensitive information in filing cabinets, mobile phones or email systems.

He said the changes would help prevent criminals from using stolen identities to access services or commit fraud.

"It is very, very easy for people to steal other people's identity in this country," Mr Muntaka said.

Institutions face sanctions

The government has warned that organisations that fail to comply with the new requirements after the deadline could face sanctions.

Possible penalties include fines running into thousands of penalty units, suspension or termination of access to the NIA's Identity Verification System.

The NIA will also establish an enforcement team to inspect organisations, investigate complaints and work with law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance.

The government said individuals who misuse Ghana Cards or unlawfully refuse authorised identity verification checks could also face penalties under the amended regulations.

Public urged to report breaches

The Interior Minister said citizens have a right to expect that their Ghana Card information will not be casually copied or stored by organisations.

He urged the public to report institutions that continue requesting photocopies after the November deadline.

The NIA is expected to publish toll-free contact numbers for reporting breaches and receiving complaints.

"You have a right to expect that your Ghana Card will not be casually photocopied in any organisation," Mr Muntaka said.

"This law exists to protect you, not to burden you."

The government says the nationwide rollout of biometric verification will strengthen trust in Ghana's identity system and reduce the risks associated with identity fraud.