Gov’t grants three-month transition period for biometric Ghana Card verification under LI 2523

The Government has announced a three-month transition period to allow public and private institutions to fully implement the biometric verification requirements under the National Identity Register Regulations, 2025 (LI 2523).

Although the regulation took effect on June 9, 2026, institutions have been given from July 27 to November 2, 2026, to establish the systems, infrastructure, and staff capacity required for full compliance.

The Government stressed that the transition period is intended solely to facilitate an orderly implementation of the law and does not suspend or exempt institutions from their obligations under LI 2523.

Organizations are expected to begin compliance measures immediately and ensure they are fully compliant by the end of the transition period.

Addressing the Journalists, the Government reaffirmed that Ghanaians have the right to refuse requests for their Ghana Cards to be photocopied, scanned, or stored when accessing services.

Instead, institutions are required to verify identity through biometric authentication, as stipulated under the regulations.

“If any organization asks to copy your Ghana Card instead of verifying it biometrically, you are entitled to decline,” the Government stated, emphasizing that the regulation is designed to protect citizens’ personal data rather than create inconvenience.

The Government described LI 2523 as a key step toward strengthening the integrity of Ghana’s national identification system while enhancing the protection of personal data for citizens and residents.

Authorities assured the public that implementation of the regulation will be carried out “firmly but fairly,” with continued collaboration with stakeholders to ensure smooth compliance nationwide.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith