The global rollout of the Ghana Card will officially commence in Denmark on October 22, marking a significant step in the National Identification Authority’s (NIA) mission to register Ghanaians both at home and abroad.
The registration process has already begun at the Ghana Embassy in Copenhagen, where embassy staff have been undergoing the necessary procedures. One embassy staff member, speaking on the experience, noted, “It’s a smooth process, and the fact that it’s accessible here in Denmark makes it much easier for Ghanaians in the diaspora.”
The initiative aims to ensure that Ghanaians, regardless of where they live, have access to the Ghana Card, a key piece of identification that links citizens to various governmental and financial services. It is available to individuals aged six and above, provided they have valid Ghanaian passports or birth certificates.
Applicants without these documents are not excluded from the process. Through a vouching system, individuals can have two non-relatives or a relative with a Ghana Card vouch for their identity. “This ensures no Ghanaian is left behind due to lack of documentation,” an official at the embassy stated.
However, the NIA clarified that non-Ghanaian spouses and individuals who have renounced their Ghanaian citizenship are not eligible to apply. On the other hand, dual citizens with proof of Ghanaian heritage are encouraged to register.
**How to Register**
Eligible Ghanaians can initiate the registration process online by visiting www.register.nia.gov.gh. After completing the application form and uploading the required documents, applicants are instructed to book a virtual interview for a review of their application. Once approved, they must visit the Ghana Mission for biometric capture using the encrypted QR code sent via email.
The vouching process for those without passports or birth certificates involves a virtual interview with the Commissioner for Oaths and their voucher, further ensuring the authenticity of the registration.
The rollout of the Ghana Card abroad is part of a larger effort to streamline identification and provide citizens with access to essential services globally.