Ghana Card: Tool for Fighting Fraud or Means of Controlling Ghanaians?
In recent years, the Ghana Card has become one of the most significant tools in Ghana’s digital transformation agenda. Launched as a national biometric identification system, it was intended to streamline public services, reduce identity fraud and improve transparency in transactions. Yet, as its reach deepens into everyday life, questions arise: Is the Ghana Card truly a tool for development, or is it gradually becoming a system of control over Ghanaians? A Tool for Fighting Fraud and Enhancing Efficiency The National Identification Authority (NIA) designed the Ghana Card to serve as a unique, verifiable source of truth for every citizen and legal resident. By linking one’s personal data—such as biometrics, address, and nationality—the card aims to curb multiple identity use and fraudulent claims in banking, social security and government benefit systems. Indeed, the card has already proven valuable in areas such as banking, telecommunications and public sector payroll managemen...