VALIDITY OF GHANA CARD TO BE SHORTENED UNDER UPCOMING LEGAL AMENDMENTS

The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced plans to reduce the validity period of the Ghana Card from the current 10 years.

NIA Executive Secretary, Wisdom Kwaku Deku, confirmed that the adjustment will form part of amendments to the existing National Identity Register law. He explained that the decision is aimed at aligning Ghana’s national identification system with global best practices and ensuring regular updates of citizens’ biometric and demographic data.

“The validity of the Ghana Card will be shortened from the present 10 years under the new legal amendments we are preparing to lay before Parliament,” Mr. Deku said. He added that the review is necessary to improve security features, reduce the risks of identity fraud, and keep the database current.

The Ghana Card, which serves as the country’s primary identification document, was first introduced in 2017 with a 10-year expiry period. Since then, it has been integrated into key national systems including banking, SIM card registration, and social services.

Public consultations on the proposed legal changes are expected to begin soon, after which the draft amendments will be submitted to Parliament for approval.

If passed, the new validity period will apply to both newly issued and renewed Ghana Cards, though existing cardholders will continue to use their cards until expiry before transitioning to the revised system.