The Bank of Ghana has introduced a far-reaching identification policy that makes the Ghana Card the exclusive means of verifying customers for financial transactions nationwide, effective immediately.
The new directive, outlined in an updated Supervisory Guidance framework, abolishes earlier identification guidelines and establishes a uniform system for verifying customers across the financial industry. Under the policy, individuals who do not hold a Ghana Card, or the approved Non-Citizen or Refugee Identity Card, will be unable to carry out transactions with financial institutions.
The central bank explained that all regulated entities are now required to integrate the National Identification Authority’s database into their customer onboarding processes. This requirement covers Ghanaian nationals, permanent residents and citizens of ECOWAS member states, further embedding the national identification system into the country’s financial architecture.
According to the Bank, the measures are designed to improve the reliability of customer data, reinforce regulatory oversight and combat fraudulent activities, particularly within the rapidly expanding digital finance space.
As part of the new rules, enhanced checks have been introduced for digital and remote banking platforms. Financial service providers operating mobile applications and other online channels must now conduct compulsory liveness verification to confirm the physical presence of customers during biometric authentication. The Bank believes this step will significantly reduce impersonation and cyber-enabled financial crimes.
With respect to existing accounts, the guidance draws a clear distinction between deposits and withdrawals. While individuals and organisations may continue to pay money into accounts that have not yet been linked to a Ghana Card, account holders themselves will be restricted from accessing funds until their identification details are updated and validated.
The policy also empowers banks to amend non-core customer details, including phone numbers and residential information, by relying on records held by the National Identification Authority. However, changes to key personal information such as legal names or dates of birth will require affected customers to physically present themselves at NIA offices for correction.
Recognising practical challenges, the Bank of Ghana has outlined specific concessions for certain groups. Foreign visitors residing in the country for periods not exceeding 90 days may use their passports for single, limited transactions, including cash withdrawals from ATMs and inward or outward remittances, provided their visa status is confirmed. In addition, Ghanaians living outside the country who are yet to obtain the Ghana Card may, for the time being, rely on their passports.
Where biometric checks fail due to system-related issues or mismatched records, the central bank has granted a temporary grace period of up to 90 days for new customers to resolve the discrepancies. During this window, the affected accounts will remain inactive until the necessary corrections are completed.
The Bank of Ghana says the revised identification regime represents a decisive move towards strengthening confidence in the financial system, improving traceability of transactions and ensuring that financial services operate within a secure, standardised and trusted national identity framework.
Author: Edem Latsu Nukafu
Edem Latsu Nukafu, a passionate communications professional dedicated to public relations, journalism, media strategy, and content development. He holds both a Diploma and Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies (Public Relations) from the University of Media, Arts and Communication – UniMAC-IJ. A member of Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
