Ghana’s National Identification Authority plans to enhance the Ghana Card into a multipurpose identification tool to facilitate financial inclusion and government services. This includes linking the card to mobile money and bank accounts. The NIA emphasizes the necessity of biometric verification to combat identity theft and improve security. Over 17 million Ghanaians currently hold the Ghana Card, and efforts are in place to extend its use to children.
The National Identification Authority (NIA) of Ghana is set to enhance the functionality of the Ghana Card, transforming it into a multipurpose identification system. This initiative aims to promote financial inclusion by integrating the card with mobile money services and bank accounts, which aligns with the card’s original design. The acting CEO of the NIA, Yayra Koku, emphasized this objective in a recent communication post on X.
Koku envisions a future where the Ghana Card facilitates everyday transactions, eliminating the need for detailed vendor information. Applications such as using the card for driver’s licensing, passport applications from home, and instant replacement services are all part of the vision. He stated, “Imagine linking your Ghana Card to your MoMo [mobile money] and bank accounts… just present your card, and the integrated system will handle the rest.”
The NIA is also focused on securing the Ghana Card against identity theft; hence, any verification process must incorporate biometric authentication. A policy advisory noted that reliance on outdated methods like lookup lists is insufficient for accurate identity verification. The NIA strongly urges institutions to utilize biometric checks against the National Identity Register to ensure robust security measures are in place.
Through its Identity Verification System Platform (IVSP), the NIA enhances the biometric verification process, ensuring accuracy and security in identity validation. This cutting-edge system is designed to alleviate risks associated with non-biometric methods and to help institutions comply with established legislative standards.
As of now, over 17 million Ghanaians possess the Ghana Card, with initiatives underway to issue these cards to children. The NIA expresses its commitment to collaborating with various stakeholders to create a more efficient and convenient service framework for all citizens of Ghana.
In summary, the NIA’s initiative to expand the Ghana Card’s functionalities into a multipurpose identity scheme marks a significant stride towards boosting financial inclusion and enhancing service delivery in Ghana. By integrating biometrics into verification processes, the authority aims to safeguard against identity fraud and streamline access to essential services for its citizens.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
