Bank of Ghana bans photocopying Ghana Cards for banking transactions

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has banned the photocopying of Ghana Cards for banking transactions, mandating biometric verification as the standard for identity authentication to enhance security and curb fraud.

This directive, aligned with the National Identity Register Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2111), replaces outdated methods like lookup lists and visual inspections that pose security risks.

Mr. Ashitei Trebi-Ollennu, Deputy Head of the Financial Integrity Office, emphasized that photocopying compromises transaction integrity and that leveraging the National Identification Authority’s biometric system offers a safer alternative.

In a meeting with key stakeholders, including the Ghana Association of Banks, the BoG urged financial institutions to transition fully to biometric-based authentication to align with international best practices and protect the financial system.