The National Identification Authority (NIA) has activated its Biometric Verification Taskforce to commence nationwide enforcement on November 2, 2026, targeting institutions that violate the National Identity Register (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2523). The exercise is aimed at ending the illegal photocopying and visual inspection of Ghana Cards by organisations that continue to use these methods for identity verification instead of the approved NIA Identity Verification System Platform.
Under the amended regulations, photocopying or visually inspecting a Ghana Card in connection with a transaction constitutes a criminal offence, with no exemptions provided. The NIA’s task force has been mandated to identify and pursue institutions that flout the regulations. Organisations found guilty face summary conviction and fines ranging from 500 to 2,000 penalty units.
With the current value of a penalty unit pegged at GH¢12, the fines translate into amounts between GH¢6,000 and GH¢24,000 for corporate entities. Individuals who violate the regulations are also liable to fines ranging from GH¢600 to GH¢6,000. The Authority is therefore urging all institutions involved in identity verification to immediately register on the NIA Identity Verification System Platform to facilitate secure biometric authentication and avoid legal sanctions.
