Ghana Card is a Critical National Asset – Interior Minister
Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak says the Ghana Card has become a key driver of national security, governance, and service delivery.
- Minister describes the Ghana Card as a critical national asset and biometric identity system.
- It is now required for banking, SIM registration, and access to public services.
- Government outlines plans to expand coverage, improve security, and drive innovation.
The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has described the Ghana Card as a vital national asset, stressing its importance to governance, security, and economic development.
Speaking at the launch of the 20th anniversary of the National Identification Authority (NIA) in Accra, the Minister said the Ghana Card has evolved from a simple identification document into a comprehensive digital biometric system supporting national development.
He described the card as a “resilient and sophisticated biometric identity ecosystem” that underpins key sectors including national security, public administration, and economic participation.
Mr. Mubarak recalled the challenges faced during the early stages of the project, noting that despite limited resources and high expectations, the initiative has become a cornerstone of national progress.
“When we began this journey, the road was fraught with uncertainty, but through determination and foresight, a solid foundation was laid,” he said.
He added that the Ghana Card has now become essential for accessing services in finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and other public systems.
According to him, the development of the national identity system remains an ongoing process that must continuously adapt to the country’s needs.
“Building a national identity system is an ongoing journey that must evolve alongside our people and economy,” he stated.
The Interior Minister outlined three key priorities going forward: achieving universal coverage, strengthening system integrity and data security, and promoting continuous innovation.
The Ghana Card has increasingly become central to public administration, including its adoption as the primary requirement for banking transactions in Ghana since 2022, following a Bank of Ghana directive.
It is also required for SIM registration, access to public services, and has helped reduce payroll fraud after the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department integrated it into the national payroll system.
In 2022, the card was further recognised as an electronic travel document under the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), making it acceptable for international travel at thousands of airports worldwide.
The Executive Director of the NIA, Yayra Koku, also highlighted the card’s growing global relevance and its role in strengthening identity verification systems across sectors.
