The National Identification Authority (NIA) has introduced new guidelines governing the security, storage and retention of personal information obtained from the National Identity Register (NIR), effective March 19, 2026.

The directive, targeted at user agencies, is aimed at strengthening data protection and ensuring the responsible handling of personal information across institutions that access the national database.

According to the Authority, the guidelines are issued in line with the National Identity Register Act, 2008 (Act 750) and its amendment, the National Identity Register (Amendment) Act, 2017 (Act 950), which mandates the NIA to regulate how personal data from the NIR is managed.

The NIA said the guidelines are designed to ensure that personal data is securely stored and retained only for as long as necessary, while promoting responsible data management practices among user agencies.

They also aim to minimise the risk of unauthorised access, misuse or loss of personal information, and to ensure compliance with Ghanaian laws as well as international standards on data protection and information security.

The move forms part of broader efforts by the Authority to enhance public confidence in Ghana’s identification system by safeguarding sensitive personal data.

User agencies have been urged to strictly adhere to the new requirements as the NIA intensifies oversight of how personal information from the National Identity Register is handled.