Ghana Card for Ghanaians Abroad officially launched in Denmark

Following a successful pilot registration of Ghanaians in Canada and the United States, the National Identification Authority (NIA) has officially launched the Ghana Card registration for Ghanaians living abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The NIA plans to expand the registration to other key European cities including Berlin, Amsterdam, Rome, Brussels, and Paris as part of its first phase of the international rollout.

Successful pilot in North America

The pilot registration exercise took place in Ottawa and Toronto in Canada, and Washington, D.C., and New York in the United States, where it was met with success.
NIA staff, in collaboration with technical partners from Identity Management Systems II Limited (IMS), trained Ghanaian embassy officials in these countries to serve as registration officers.

 

NIA also conducted public engagements with Ghanaians in these regions, providing information about the registration process and requirements.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive of the NIA, Prof. Ken Agyeman Attafuah, promised that the Authority would continue to build a robust, inclusive, and credible National Identification System (NIS).

He reminded the gathering that the journey to establishing a single source of truth and a trusted National Identity Database has indeed been challenging, sometimes even tumultuous, but ultimately exceedingly rewarding.

He recalled that work toward this day began in June 2022 when the NIA started earnest consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration (MFARI) to develop a comprehensive plan for registering Ghanaians abroad.

Prof. Attafuah explained that efforts were facilitated through three key committees: the Public Education Committee, the Training Committee, and the Technology and Logistics Committee, which proved instrumental in making this project a reality.

He stated that the launch is a culmination of months of diligent planning and coordination with MFARI and Ghana’s Missions across the globe.

Prof. Attafuah noted that on September 5, 2024, the NIA issued the first Ghana Card in the Canadian capital city of Ottawa, and since then, over 100 Ghana Cards have been issued, with more applications continually coming in.

Cumulatively, he said the Authority has registered and issued Ghana Cards to over 18 million Ghanaians, compared to a paltry 900,000 cards issued between July 2008 and August 2017.

According to him, this is a clear example of achieving great things with hard work, grit, rigor, and coherence.

He emphasized that it is a testament to the importance of the Ghana Card in securing the identity of every Ghanaian, no matter where they live.

Prof. Attafuah expressed gratitude to NIA’s partner institutions, particularly the Authority’s technical partners—Identity Management Systems II in the PPP—and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose close collaboration has been essential to the success of this initiative.
He also acknowledged Sylvia Naa Adaawa Annoh, her deputy Mrs. Elizabeth Dodoo, and the entire consular staff for their warm reception and camaraderie.

He encouraged all Ghanaians living abroad to take full advantage of this registration exercise. Prof. Attafuah said this is an opportunity to be part of Ghana’s development and to ensure that their identity is officially documented.

He added that the Ghana Card is their key to staying connected to the services and privileges of their homeland.

Simplified registration process

To make the process more accessible, the NIA has introduced an online registration system.
Applicants can start by filling out forms, paying the necessary fees, and booking appointments online.

The final step is an in-person visit to the nearest Ghanaian mission for biometric capture.

This method offers flexibility and convenience for Ghanaians living abroad.

Eligibility and requirements

The registration is open to all Ghanaians aged six and above. Applicants need to present valid Ghanaian passports and birth certificates.

Those without these documents can use a vouching system, which involves having two non-relatives or a relative with a Ghana Card vouch for them.

Individuals who have renounced their Ghanaian citizenship or are non-Ghanaian spouses are not eligible, while dual citizens who can prove their Ghanaian heritage are allowed to apply.

How to register

To register, Ghanaians abroad can visit www.register.nia.gov.gh to complete the application process online, upload the required documents, and book a virtual interview for application review.

Following the review, applicants must visit the Ghanaian Mission for biometric capture, using a QR code received via email.

Vouching process
For those without passports or birth certificates, the vouching process involves a virtual interview with the Commissioner for Oaths and a voucher to verify the applicant’s identity.

This additional measure ensures that those without complete documentation can still access the Ghana Card.

The initiative is a key step in fulfilling NIA’s mandate to register all Ghanaians, both home and abroad, making it easier for citizens to acquire the Ghana Card regardless of their location.

Source:techfocus24.com