BoG warns banks against photocopying Ghana Cards

BoG Prohibits Banks from Photocopying Ghana Cards for Transactions

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) is reinforcing its stance against photocopying Ghana Cards for customer verification. Banks are now required to use biometric verification systems linked to the National Identification database to confirm customer identities.


This move aligns with the National Identity Register Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2111) and reflects the need to adopt more secure and modern verification methods. BoG warns that relying on photocopies increases the risk of fraud and weakens the integrity of financial transactions.


BoG’s Position on Photocopying

Mr. Ashitei Trebi-Ollennu, Deputy Head of the Financial Integrity Office at BoG, clarified that the central bank never authorized banks to photocopy Ghana Cards. He explained that such practices create opportunities for fraudulent activities and compromise the security of customer information.


He urged banks to prioritize biometric verification, which directly connects to the National Identification database. This system, he noted, provides a safer and more accurate way to confirm identities.


Mr. Trebi-Ollennu’s comments came during a stakeholder meeting in Accra, organized by Identity Management Systems II (IMS II) Ltd. in collaboration with the National Identification Authority (NIA). The meeting, themed “Protect Every Transaction with Biometric Verification,” brought together key stakeholders from Ghana’s financial sector to discuss the future of identity verification.


Why Biometric Verification Matters

•Shifting to biometric verification offers several important advantages:

•Stronger Security: It reduces the risk of identity theft and unauthorized access.

•Accurate Verification: Real-time checks against the National Identity Register ensure precise identity confirmation.

•Fraud Prevention: It eliminates the need for physical documents that can be easily forged.

Regulatory Compliance: It meets both local and international standards for secure transactions.


Modernizing Identity Management

James Cantamantu-Koomson, Executive Director of IMS II Ltd., highlighted how biometric verification is transforming identity management. 

He described the NIA’s database as a crucial national asset and stressed the need to move away from outdated manual processes.

He argued that embracing biometric verification is essential for protecting the financial system and strengthening public trust in banking services.


Fostering Collaboration for Safer Banking

The engagement also encouraged open dialogue between financial institutions and regulatory bodies. Banks shared their perspectives on improving identity verification, while the NIA emphasized the legal requirement to use the Ghana Card as the only recognized form of identification for banking transactions.


Teresa Eson-Benjamin, Head of the NIA’s Legal Directorate, reiterated that financial institutions must comply with the legal framework and ensure full adoption of biometric-based verification.


Securing the Future of Ghana’s Financial System

The event underscored the urgency of adopting biometric verification as the standard for identity authentication. This shift aims to reduce fraud, improve efficiency, and ensure Ghana’s financial sector remains secure and aligned with global best practices.


Prominent attendees included Mr. John Awuah, CEO of the Ghana Association of Banks, and senior officials from BoG, the NIA, and all 25 universal banks in Ghana.


Participants agreed that “Trust but verify” should guide banking operations moving forward. By fully embracing biometric authentication, Ghana is taking a significant step toward a safer and more reliable financial ecosystem.


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