The National Identification Authority (NIA) has activated its Biometric Verification Taskforce to begin full nationwide enforcement from November 2, 2026, against institutions that fail to comply with the National Identity Register (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2523), cracking down on the illegal photocopying and visual inspection of Ghana Cards.
The enforcement drive targets organisations that continue to rely on ocular inspection or photocopies for identity verification instead of the mandated NIA Identity Verification System Platform.
Under the new law, photocopying or visually inspecting a Ghana Card for the purpose of a transaction is a criminal offence, and there are no exemptions.
The taskforce is empowered to pursue violators, with institutions found culpable facing a summary conviction and a fine ranging from 500 to 2,000 penalty units.
Based on the current value of a penalty unit of GH¢12, this translates to fines ranging from GH¢6,000 to GH¢24,000 for corporate entities. Individuals who contravene the regulations also face fines ranging from GH¢600 to GH¢6,000.
The Authority is urging all institutions that verify identities to immediately onboard onto the NIA Identity Verification System Platform to ensure secure biometric verification and avoid prosecution.