The National Identification Authority (NIA) has cautioned financial institutions and other entities against photocopying the Ghana Card, citing potential risks to personal data security.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Pent News at 6:30pm on Thursday, June 19, 2025, Mr. Williams Ampomah Darlas, Director of Corporate Affairs at the NIA, emphasized the authority’s stance against the practice.
Mr. Darlas clarified that while the NIA supports proper identity verification, institutions must adhere to approved procedures. He referenced a directive issued by the Bank of Ghana on March 3, prohibiting banks from photocopying Ghana Cards, and stressed that compliance remains a priority.
“Our primary concern is to protect citizens from unauthorized use of their personal data,” he stated. “Financial institutions must adopt secure verification methods instead of retaining physical copies.”
To streamline the process, the NIA has introduced the NIA Verification Platform, a secure digital system containing verified customer data to facilitate seamless and safe transactions. Mr. Darlas urged all financial institutions to integrate with the platform, noting that the General Legal Council has already expressed interest in adopting it for client verification.
He further warned that the NIA will enforce sanctions against non-compliant institutions to deter violations and safeguard public data.
“The verification platform is the most efficient and secure way to confirm identities,” he added. “We encourage all stakeholders to leverage this system to enhance trust and compliance.”
Report by Juliana Abrahams
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