The National Identification Authority (NIA) has pushed back against reports suggesting that the validity period of the Ghana Card—a biometric national ID—will be reduced from ten years.
In an official statement signed by Head of Corporate Affairs Williams Ampomah E. Darlas, the Authority reaffirmed that the card remains valid for a decade from the date of issuance, consistent with current legislation.
“The Ghana Card remains valid for 10 years from the date of issuance, after which it must be renewed as required by law,” the statement said.
The clarification follows public confusion stemming from remarks made by the Authority’s Executive Secretary, Wisdom Kwaku Deku, which the NIA says were mischaracterized. According to the statement, Mr. Deku did not announce any change in policy but merely pointed to the possibility of future revisions to update intervals, citing the pace of technological advancement.
The NIA emphasized that both the ten-year validity period and renewal requirement remain in effect, underscoring the need for periodic updates due to wear-and-tear on the physical card and potential changes in cardholders' biometric features over time.
“The current ten-year renewal policy is necessary,” the Authority stated, “as the card’s physical durability and the evolution of personal attributes justify such an interval.”
Officials urged the public to disregard what they described as misinformation and reiterated the agency’s commitment to maintaining a secure and adaptable national identity system.
The Ghana Card is central to the country’s digital infrastructure and is used for a wide range of services including banking, immigration, and public benefits.
