All is set for the global rollout of the Ghana Card registration and issuance to Ghanaians living abroad, starting on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Denmark, Europe. This launch follows a successful pilot registration exercise conducted in Canada and the United States of America by the National Identification Authority (NIA), which has set the stage for a full-scale international rollout.
The NIA, in partnership with Identity Management Systems II Limited (IMS), has been working to ensure that Ghanaians residing abroad can seamlessly register and obtain their Ghana Cards. After the successful pilot registration in Ottawa, Toronto, Washington, D.C., and New York, the NIA is now extending the program globally, with Denmark being the first country in Europe to launch this initiative.
Ahead of the global rollout, the NIA is providing extensive training to embassy staff in Copenhagen, Denmark, to equip them with the skills necessary to handle the registration process. This training ensures that embassy personnel are well-prepared to serve as registration officers during the exercise. The training is a key part of the preparations, as it ensures that the registration process is executed smoothly and efficiently, allowing Ghanaians abroad to receive their cards without difficulty.
One significant milestone in the upcoming event is the issuance of the first Ghana Card in Europe. Mr. John Djomaakwei Quaye, a staff member of the Ghana Embassy in Denmark, will become the first Ghanaian to be issued the Ghana Card in Europe, marking a symbolic start to the global registration process.
In the days leading up to the launch, the NIA will also engage with Ghanaians living in Denmark and Sweden. This engagement, scheduled for Sunday, October 20, 2024, will provide a platform to inform and educate them about the registration process, requirements, and benefits. By fostering a clear understanding of the registration exercise, the NIA aims to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.
The official launch of the global rollout will take place on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Copenhagen, Denmark. Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, will join the event virtually, while Ghana’s Ambassador to Denmark, Mrs. Sylvia Naa Adaawa Annoh, will chair the event. This launch will set the stage for the expansion of the registration program across Europe.
Following the launch in Denmark, the NIA will move on to several other European cities, including Berlin, Amsterdam, Rome, Brussels, and Paris. These cities have been earmarked for the first phase of the global rollout, ensuring that Ghanaians in these regions will soon have the opportunity to obtain their Ghana Cards.
To streamline the registration process for Ghanaians abroad, the NIA has introduced a simplified registration system. This process allows applicants to begin the registration process online by visiting the NIA web portal, where they can fill out the necessary forms, pay applicable fees, and book an enrollment appointment. This online system offers Ghanaians abroad the flexibility and convenience of completing much of the registration process from the comfort of their homes before visiting a Ghanaian mission for in-person biometric data capture.
The registration process is open to all Ghanaians aged six years and above who possess valid Ghanaian passports or birth certificates. In cases where applicants do not have these documents, a vouching system is in place. This system allows two non-relatives or one relative with a Ghana Card to vouch for the applicant’s identity. However, individuals who have renounced their Ghanaian citizenship or non-Ghanaian spouses are not eligible for the card. Dual citizens who can prove their Ghanaian heritage are eligible to apply.
The NIA’s efforts to extend the Ghana Card registration to the diaspora is part of its broader mandate to ensure that all Ghanaians, both at home and abroad, are included in the national identification system. This initiative is seen as a significant step forward in enhancing Ghana’s identification infrastructure, providing Ghanaians worldwide with access to a secure and reliable identification system.
For Ghanaians interested in registering for the Ghana Card, the process is straightforward. Applicants can visit the NIA’s web portal at www.register.nia.gov.gh, where they can complete the application form, upload the required documents, and submit their application online. After submitting the application, they will book a virtual interview for an application review. Upon successful completion of the interview, the applicant will receive an encrypted QR code via email, which they will then present during their biometric capture appointment at a Ghanaian mission.
For individuals who do not have a valid passport or birth certificate, the vouching process allows them to complete their registration. This process involves a virtual interview with the Commissioner for Oaths and the voucher. By offering this option, the NIA ensures that no eligible Ghanaian is left out of the registration process due to a lack of documentation.
The upcoming global rollout of the Ghana Card marks a new chapter in Ghana’s efforts to create a comprehensive identification system that includes its citizens both within the country and abroad. With the simplified registration process, the ability to begin the application online, and the inclusion of a vouching system, the NIA has taken significant steps to make the registration process as accessible as possible for all Ghanaians.
The launch of the Ghana Card registration in Denmark will be a significant milestone in the NIA’s mission, and with plans to extend the program to other parts of Europe, Ghanaians living abroad can look forward to receiving their Ghana Cards and benefiting from the enhanced services and opportunities that come with having a secure national ID.
