The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has issued a directive prohibiting banks from photocopying Ghana Cards for identity verification, emphasizing the need for biometric authentication. This measure aligns with the National Identity Register Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2111), ensuring enhanced security and fraud prevention.
During a stakeholder engagement in Accra, Mr. Ashitei Trebi-Ollennu, Deputy Head of BoG’s Financial Integrity Office, reiterated that photocopying Ghana Cards exposes transactions to fraud risks. Instead, banks must authenticate identities using the biometric verification system linked to the National Identification database.
The event, themed Protect Every Transaction with Biometric Verification,” brought together the BoG, Ghana Association of Banks, National Identification Authority (NIA), and executives from all 25 universal banks. Experts stressed that real-time biometric verification eliminates identity theft, enhances security, and aligns Ghana’s financial system with global standards.
Industry leaders, including IMS II Ltd’s Executive Director, James Cantamantu-Koomson, highlighted the shift towards biometric authentication, urging banks to transition from outdated manual processes. The NIA also reaffirmed that the Ghana Card remains the sole legal identification for financial transactions.
With this directive, BoG aims to strengthen trust in the banking sector, ensuring a fraud-proof financial system where “Trust but verify” remains the guiding principle for secure transactions in Ghana.
Source: CitiNewsRoom
