Ghana has made remarkable progress in its quest to establish a comprehensive National Identification System, placing the country among Africa’s frontrunners in digital identity implementation.
The Deputy Minister for the Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, made this revelation at the Digital Government Africa Conference 2025 in Lusaka, Zambia, where policymakers, innovators, and technology experts gathered to deliberate on the future of digital identity, governance, and inclusive development across the continent.
Over 19m registered
Delivering Ghana’s statement at the conference, Mr. Terlabi said current data from the National Identification Authority (NIA) shows that a total of 19 million (19,005,335) Ghanaians have been enrolled under the National Identification System.
Over 18.9m cards printed
Out of this number, over 18.9 million (18,904,065) cards have been printed.
Over 17.9m cards issued
In the same vein, 17.9 million (17,921,888) cards have been issued to applicants.
Card issued to 216,684 non-citizens
Additionally, 216,684 non-citizens have also been registered in the system.
Terlabi noted that this achievement reflects “substantial progress since the Ghana Card’s introduction” and demonstrates the country’s strong commitment to digital transformation. According to the Deputy Minister, 95% of Ghana’s adult population is now registered under the system, with a growing number of children being enrolled at birth through linkages with the national birth registration process.
“This level of coverage positions Ghana to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.9, which calls for legal identity for all by 2030, well ahead of schedule,” Mr. Terlabi declared.
A breakthrough for Africa’s digital identity agenda
Across Africa, more than 500 million people—out of a population of 1.4 billion—still lack any form of legal identification, limiting their access to essential public services, financial inclusion opportunities, and social protection programmes.
Terlabi said Ghana’s experience represents a breakthrough in addressing this challenge, offering a practical model for the continent’s digital transformation.
Ghana’s success is credited to a robust Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the National Identification Authority and the Margins ID Group and its subsidiaries, who have been pivotal in deploying the Ghana Card and the digital infrastructure that supports it.
Terlabi emphasised that the Ghana Card has become a cornerstone of the nation’s digital economy and governance framework, serving as a key enabler of service delivery and citizen participation.
Speaking on the panel, Terlabi elaborated on the profound impact of the digital identity system:
“The Ghana Card has been instrumental in improving access to public services, promoting financial inclusion, and deepening participation in our digital society,” he said.
“The government has made deliberate efforts to reach all citizens by deploying mobile registration teams to remote areas, integrating ID registration with school enrollments and health facilities, and linking birth registration to the Ghana Card system.”
He further assured that the protection of citizens’ personal data remains a top national priority, underpinned by both legal and technical safeguards.
“Our approach ensures that citizens’ information is secure, private, and used responsibly,” he explained.
“We have implemented strict compliance with Ghana’s Data Protection Act, complemented by advanced security measures such as encrypted databases and biometric authentication mechanisms.”
The Deputy Minister highlighted that Ghana’s digital identity system has not only enhanced governance and transparency but has also expanded access to financial services, enabling banks, fintech firms, and government institutions to verify identity instantly and securely.
“Ghana’s experience demonstrates that trust, accessibility, and innovation are key to a sustainable digital identity ecosystem,” he added.
Ghana ready to share experience with Africa
Terlabi also expressed Ghana’s readiness to support continental collaboration and capacity-building in digital governance.
“We aim to inspire inclusive growth and development across Africa. Ghana stands ready to collaborate, exchange experiences, and learn from our fellow nations,” he said.
He underscored that by investing in secure, inclusive, and interoperable digital systems, African nations could unlock vast economic opportunities, strengthen governance, and accelerate progress toward sustainable development.
A continental platform for digital transformation
The Digital Government Africa Conference 2025, officially opened by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, brought together senior government officials, policy leaders, and technology experts from across the continent to explore strategies for advancing digital identity, data protection, and economic transformation.
Delegates praised Ghana’s leadership and success story as an example of how political will, innovation, and partnership can drive national development in the digital era.
