Photocopying Ghana Cards risky — NIA warns
The National Identification Authority (NIA) has urged institutions across the country to stop relying solely on the physical inspection and photocopying of Ghana Cards for identity verification.
In a statement, the NIA described the practice, common among banks, corporate bodies, government agencies and other financial institutions, as risky and unsafe.
“This practice poses significant risks and has contributed to the unfortunate circulation and use of fake Ghana Cards by unscrupulous individuals,” the Authority warned.
The NIA reminded all institutions that visual checks and photocopies are not sufficient for confirming the authenticity of the Ghana Card.
“Physical inspection or photocopying alone is not a secure or sufficient means of verifying the authenticity of the Ghana Card,” it emphasized.
The Authority is therefore urging institutions to enroll onto its Identity Verification System Platform (IVSP), which it says is the only approved and secure method for real time identity verification.
“Institutions are strongly cautioned to desist from this practice and are urged to onboard onto the NIA IVSP,” the statement said.
The release also carried a stern warning for those who fail to comply.
“Any institution found compromising the integrity of the Ghana Card verification process does so entirely at its own risk,” the Authority cautioned.
It emphasized that such actions could lead to identity theft, financial loss, and reputational damage, for which the NIA bears no responsibility and will not be held liable under any circumstances.
The NIA further called for swift compliance to safeguard both institutional operations and national security.
“All institutions relying on the Ghana Card for their operations are urged to take immediate steps to comply with this directive to protect their clients, their operations and the nation as a whole,” it added.
