NIA demands real-time verification for all transactions

The National Identification Authority (NIA) has issued a strong warning to institutions across Ghana, warning against the continued reliance on non-biometric ID verification methods.
The authority emphasizes that only Ghana Card biometric authentication ensures real-time verification, enhances security, and prevents fraudulent activities.
The directive, which aligns with the National Identity Register Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2111), underscores the growing risks associated with outdated verification methods such as lookup lists and visual inspections.

According to the NIA, these methods are prone to errors and do not guarantee the accuracy of an individual’s identity as recorded in the National Identity Register (NIR).

Why Real-Time Biometric Verification Matters

The NIA highlights several key benefits of biometric verification, stating that it prevents identity theft and impersonation, eliminates reliance on easily forged physical documents, ensures real-time authentication with National Identity Register (NIR) records, and aligns with national and international security standards.
Unlike traditional verification methods, biometric authentication—through fingerprint and facial recognition—offers a foolproof way of confirming an individual’s identity.
This process is enhanced by the Identity Verification System Platform (IVSP), which guarantees accuracy, security, and public confidence in identity verification.

The risks of not using real-time verification
The NIA warns institutions that neglecting biometric verification could have serious consequences, such as outdated records allowing lost, stolen, or revoked Ghana Cards to appear valid, inability to detect fraudulent or tampered Ghana Cards, and increased vulnerability to identity fraud, which could facilitate criminal activities such as financial fraud, illegal access to services, and impersonation.
To further enhance transparency, the NIA assures that all biometric verifications performed on the National Identification System (NIS) generate an auditable verification code.
This code is distributed to all parties involved in the verification transaction and is securely stored in the NIA’s verification register in real time.

Legal obligation to use Ghana Card verification
The advisory also reminds institutions that they are legally required to use the Ghana Card for identity verification.
Compliance with this regulation will not only protect organizations from fraud but also streamline service delivery and bolster trust in national identification systems.

NIA’s assurance to institutions
The NIA reiterates its commitment to improving identity verification processes across the country.
The IVSP ensures that output data provided to institutions is time-stamped, accurate, and auditable.
The authority urges all institutions to embrace biometric authentication as the standard practice for identity verification.
By implementing real-time biometric verification, institutions can safeguard their operations against identity fraud, uphold legal requirements, and contribute to national security efforts.
The NIA’s call to action serves as a crucial step towards reinforcing the integrity and reliability of Ghana’s identification systems.
The advisory serves as a crucial reminder to institutions that failing to use biometric verification may expose them to significant risks, including identity theft and financial fraud.