The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced that biometric verification is now the mandatory method for authenticating Ghana Card holders during transactions.

The NIA said an amendment to the National Identity Register Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2111) has been gazetted, making photocopying or relying only on visual inspection of the Ghana Card for transaction purposes illegal. 

The Executive Secretary of the NIA, Wisdom Kwaku Deku, said the new requirement means institutions must use approved biometric verification systems to confirm the identity of Ghana Card holders. 

Under the amended regulations, institutions found to be in breach could face fines ranging from GH¢6,000 to GH¢24,000 upon summary conviction, while individuals who violate the regulations could be fined between GH¢600 and GH¢6,000. 

The move follows earlier directives from the Bank of Ghana cautioning financial institutions against photocopying Ghana Cards for customer verification and requiring the use of biometric authentication methods. 

The NIA has argued that biometric verification provides a more secure way of confirming identities and protects the integrity of the national identification system.