The global registration and issuance of the Ghana Card to Ghanaians abroad is set to begin on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, starting in Denmark.
This follows the successful pilot registration exercises conducted by the National Identification Authority (NIA) in Canada and the United States.
After successful trials in cities like Ottawa, Toronto, Washington, D.C., and New York, the NIA is now ready to expand the initiative globally. Ahead of the official launch, NIA officials and their technical partner, Identity Management Systems II Limited (IMS), have trained staff at the Ghana Embassy in Copenhagen to serve as registration officers.
Before the official rollout, the NIA will engage with Ghanaians living in Denmark and Sweden on Sunday, October 20, 2024, to inform them about the registration process and requirements, ensuring a smooth experience for applicants.
The global launch will take place in Copenhagen on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. The event will feature the participation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, joining virtually. The ceremony will be chaired by Ghana’s Ambassador to Denmark, Mrs. Sylvia Naa Adaawa Annoh.
Countries targeted in the first phase
Following Denmark, the NIA will extend the registration drive to Berlin, Amsterdam, Rome, Brussels, and Paris as part of the first phase of the rollout.
Simplified registration process
The NIA has streamlined the Ghana Card registration process for Ghanaians abroad. Applicants can now begin the process online by filling out registration forms, paying the required fees, and scheduling enrollment appointments from their homes before visiting the Ghanaian mission for in-person biometric capture.
This system provides greater flexibility and convenience for Ghanaians living abroad.
Key requirements and eligibility
The registration is open to individuals aged six and above who hold valid Ghanaian passports or birth certificates. Those without these documents can still register using a vouching system. However, individuals who have renounced their Ghanaian citizenship or non-Ghanaian spouses are not eligible.
Dual citizens who can prove their Ghanaian heritage are also eligible to apply. This initiative is in line with the NIA’s mandate to register all Ghanaians both at home and abroad.
How to register
To register for the Ghana Card, Ghanaians living abroad can follow these steps:
- Visit the web portal at www.register.nia.gov.gh and follow the instructions.
- Complete the application form, upload required documents, and submit it online.
- Schedule a virtual interview for the application review.
- After the interview, visit the Ghana Mission for biometric capture using the encrypted QR code sent via email.
Vouching process
For applicants lacking a valid passport or birth certificate, the vouching process allows two non-relatives or a relative with a Ghana Card to vouch for them. This process is completed through a virtual interview with a Commissioner for Oaths and the voucher.