NIA starts Ghana Card registration for children in Upper West and Savannah

The National Identification Authority (NIA) is set to commence the registration of children aged six to 14 for the Ghana Card in the Upper West and Savannah Regions starting November 12, 2026. This move is part of an ongoing nationwide initiative to integrate younger citizens into the national identity system, following the successful completion of similar exercises in six other regions. The project is being conducted in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to ensure comprehensive coverage and streamlined registration for the country's youth. Registration teams are scheduled to visit both public and private schools daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to facilitate the process for students. For children who are not currently enrolled in school, the NIA has established designated community centers where they can be registered. To complete the process, parents or guardians must provide a child's original birth certificate, a valid passport, or a certificate of acquired citizenship. In instances where these primary documents are unavailable, an Oath of Identity may be utilized to verify the child's status. The NIA has issued specific guidelines regarding who can present a child for registration, stipulating that the adult must be a Ghanaian citizen aged 18 or older. Officials have emphasized the importance of providing accurate information, warning that the submission of false details or the facilitation of registration for non-Ghanaians is a punishable offense under the law. The authority has also called for active support from community stakeholders and traditional leaders to encourage parents to participate in the exercise. The expansion of the Ghana Card to younger populations is viewed as a critical step toward creating a secure and reliable national identity database. By capturing the biometric and demographic data of children, the government aims to streamline access to essential social services, including healthcare and education, while improving national planning. The NIA's phased approach continues to bridge the identification gap, ensuring that every Ghanaian citizen, regardless of age, is officially recognized within the national system.