Ghana is expanding the functionality of its national identity card, known as the Ghana Card, by integrating it with financial services and driver’s licenses. The National Identification Authority (NIA) plans to connect the card with Mobile Money (MoMo) and bank accounts while enabling it to serve as an official driver’s license. The expansion builds upon Ghana’s existing digital identity infrastructure, which has previously benefited from identity verification technologies implemented to strengthen the country’s financial services sector.
“The planned financial integration will allow cardholders to make payments without requiring vendor phone numbers or MoMo details,” said Yayra Koku, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the NIA. The system will also streamline card replacement, with Koku noting that citizens will be able to obtain new cards immediately at service booths using fingerprint verification. The development follows Ghana’s earlier efforts to modernize its payment infrastructure, including the implementation of EMV payment systems to enhance security and interoperability.
The integration of driver’s licenses into the Ghana Card aims to eliminate redundant processes at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA). The integrated system will use existing biometric data, removing the need for separate fingerprinting at DVLA offices. The consolidation marks a significant step in Ghana’s broader digital transformation strategy, following similar initiatives across Africa where countries are increasingly adopting unified digital identity systems.
The Ghana Card currently works with the CitizenApp, a digital platform that enables access to government services through biometric authentication. Users can verify their identity using fingerprints or facial recognition, allowing secure access to services and interoperability between government agencies. The implementation matches regional trends in digital identity adoption, as other African nations like Kenya have also been pursuing comprehensive digital ID programs.
“These digital initiatives will create an environment conducive to business growth while improving public access to government services,” said Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The digitization efforts support Ghana’s broader strategy to enhance its competitive position in the global economy through reduced administrative complexity. The integration of multiple functions into the Ghana Card represents a growing trend across Africa, where countries are using digital identity solutions to modernize government services and financial systems.
Sources: GhanaWeb, ID Tech Wire, Norvan Reports
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