In a groundbreaking move to extend the reach of Ghana Card services to Ghanaians living abroad, the National Identification Authority (NIA) has officially begun issuing Ghana Cards in Canada. The first phase of the pilot program kicked off in Ottawa and Ontario, with plans to extend to Washington, D.C., and New York in the U.S.
Last week, NIA officials and their technical partner, Identity Management Systems (IMS), held public engagements in Ottawa and Ontario. Following the sessions, selected staff at Ghana’s mission in Canada were trained to serve as registration officers, helping Ghanaians abroad apply for the card with ease. This first phase marks a significant milestone for the NIA as it strives to make the Ghana Card more accessible worldwide.
Currently, the team is in New York to conduct similar training sessions and public engagements, setting the stage for expanding the Ghana Card registration process in the U.S.
The registration process for Ghanaians living overseas has been simplified for convenience. Applicants can fill out forms and pay fees online, book appointments, and complete interviews virtually. On their appointed date, they visit their local mission to provide biometric data and receive their Ghana Card— a process designed to take only 10 minutes.
Registration Fees and Eligibility
Parliament-approved registration fees vary by region. ECOWAS nationals pay $55, while other Africans pay $75. The rest of the world, including North America, is charged $115. Registration is available for individuals aged six and above, and applicants need a valid passport or birth certificate. However, Ghanaians without these documents can still register by being vouched for during the interview process.
Dual citizens proving Ghanaian heritage are eligible, but non-Ghanaian spouses and individuals who have renounced their Ghanaian citizenship cannot register.
NIA Board Chairman, Mr. Abel Edusei, hailed the initiative as a landmark moment in the Authority’s mission to identify Ghanaians globally. He described the Ottawa engagement as historic, emphasizing its importance in the NIA’s goal to extend the Ghana Card beyond the country’s borders.
NIA Executive Secretary, Prof. Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah, outlined plans to train Ghanaian embassy staff worldwide to handle registrations. He also highlighted the Ghana Card’s role in integrating with the ECOWAS system, eliminating the need for a separate ECOWAS identity card.
Ensuring Data Security
IMS Executive Director, Mr. Emmanuel Selby, reassured participants about the security of their personal data. He confirmed that all data is stored in Ghana, not on the cloud, with real-time synchronization between the primary site in Accra and a backup site in Kumasi. Only specific, legally mandated data subsets are shared with other institutions, ensuring biometric data remains private.
In Ottawa, Ghana’s Ambassador to Canada, Anselm Ransford Adjetey Sowah, led an informative session for participants, many of whom expressed gratitude for the education about the Ghana Card registration process. Chief Operating Officer of IMS, Mr. James Cantamantu-Koomson, also explained that biometric verification for every transaction would prevent identity theft, as visual card inspections are prone to risk.
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