NIA urges public to stop photocopying Ghana Card over security concerns
The National Identification Authority (NIA) has issued a public advisory cautioning Ghanaians against allowing photocopies of their Ghana Cards to be made during verification or identification processes, citing potential security risks.
The advisory was issued by Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, Head of Corporate Affairs at the NIA, during a press conference held in Accra.
He emphasized that photocopying the Ghana Card is not a requirement for any legitimate form of verification.
Mr. Darlas said the card, Ghana’s most advanced biometric identification document, contains sensitive personal information that, if duplicated and mishandled, could lead to identity theft and fraudulent activities.
“The Ghana Card is a highly secure document. There is no lawful or procedural justification for anyone to demand a photocopy of it as a condition for verification,” Mr. Darlas stated.
He added that legitimate institutions or agencies conducting identity verification are expected to use digital verification tools or simply visually inspect the physical card, not duplicate it.
According to the NIA, allowing physical copies of the card to be made increases the risk of unauthorized access to biometric data, national identity numbers, and other personal information embedded in the card’s chip.
Mr. Darlas noted that the advisory follows a growing number of reports of individuals being asked to leave behind photocopies of their cards during job applications, mobile money registrations, SIM card replacements, banking transactions, and other public services.
“These photocopies can be easily lost, stolen, or fall into the wrong hands. Once that happens, your identity can be used for criminal activities, including illegal financial transactions or impersonation,” he warned.
The NIA is urging both individuals and organizations to take advantage of secure identity verification systems it has developed, including biometric authentication terminals, QR code scanning, and secure digital ID platforms that do not require duplicating the physical card.
“There are safer and more accurate ways to verify someone’s identity. Institutions must modernize their systems and abandon outdated practices that put citizens at risk,” Mr. Darlas advised.
Ghanaians are being encouraged to report any organization or individual who insists on photocopying the Ghana Card to the National Identification Authority, the Data Protection Commission, or the Ghana Police Service.
The NIA reiterated its commitment to protecting the integrity of the Ghana Card system and promoting data privacy and digital security across all sectors of the economy.
“Let’s all do our part to protect our personal data. One photocopy may look harmless, but in the wrong hands, it can cost you your identity, your money, and your peace of mind,” Mr. Darlas added.
