The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Bankers Association (GBA), Mr. John Awuah, has warned that some foreign nationals and immigrants in Ghana are illegally using the Ghana Card—a national identification document meant exclusively for Ghanaian citizens—to conduct banking transactions.
According to Mr. Awuah, non-Ghanaians are supposed to use a special non-citizen identification card issued by the National Identification Authority (NIA) when accessing financial services. “We have observed a disturbing trend where immigrants are presenting Ghana Cards to open accounts and transact business,” he stated, adding that this breaches regulatory frameworks and poses significant risks to the country’s financial system.
Alleged NIA Cartel Behind Illegal Issuance
The GBA CEO alleged that a cartel within the NIA is issuing Ghana Cards to ineligible foreigners in exchange for large sums of money. He urged government authorities—including the Ministry of Interior and the National Security Secretariat—to launch a thorough investigation before the situation spirals out of control.
Not the First Controversy
This is not the first time Ghana’s national identity system has faced such allegations. In previous mass registration exercises, there were widespread reports of foreigners—particularly from neighboring West African countries—attempting to register as Ghanaians. Some NIA officials were arrested for allegedly facilitating fraudulent registrations, though few cases have led to convictions.
Additionally, debates over the Ghana Card’s role in voter registration have heightened concerns about its vulnerability to abuse. Critics have long warned that if foreigners obtain the card unlawfully, it could compromise national security and even electoral integrity.
Implications for Banking and National Security
Experts say the situation could have serious consequences:
National Security Risks: Unauthorized holders could use the card to access sensitive systems, cross borders, and obtain state services meant for citizens.
Financial Compliance Threats: Banks risk violating international anti-money laundering regulations if they unknowingly serve clients with illegally obtained Ghana Cards.
Loss of Public Trust: Allegations of bribery and fraud within the NIA may erode public confidence in state institutions and the Ghana Card project itself.
Diplomatic Tensions: Neighboring countries may see Ghana as a soft entry point for undocumented migration, straining regional relations.
