The National Identification Authority (NIA) is set to launch the full global rollout of Ghana Card registration for Ghanaians living abroad, starting in Denmark on October 22, 2024. Following successful pilot programs in Canada and the United States, where Ghanaians in cities such as Ottawa, Toronto, Washington D.C., and New York were registered, the NIA is now extending its efforts to Europe, beginning with Denmark.
1. Embassy Staff Training and First Card Issuance in Europe
Preparations for the launch include training staff at the Ghana Embassy in Copenhagen. The staff will be equipped to assist with the registration process, ensuring a smooth experience for applicants. The first Ghanaian to receive the Ghana Card in Europe, Mr. John Djomaakwei Quaye, a staff member at the Embassy, has already completed his registration, marking a significant milestone for the program.
2. Engagement and Awareness Campaigns
To ensure a seamless rollout, NIA and its technical partner, Identity Management Systems II Limited (IMS), will engage with Ghanaians residing in Denmark and Sweden. The engagement event, scheduled for October 20, 2024, will provide detailed information on the registration process, requirements, and necessary documentation to help applicants prepare in advance.
3. Official Launch and Future Rollout Plans
The official launch will be held on October 22, 2024, at the Ghana Embassy in Copenhagen, with Ghana’s Ambassador to Denmark, Mrs. Sylvia Naa Adaawa Annoh, chairing the event. Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, will also participate virtually. After Denmark, the NIA will continue the first phase of the rollout in other European cities, including Berlin, Amsterdam, Rome, Brussels, and Paris.
4. A Streamlined and Flexible Registration Process
The NIA has simplified the registration process for Ghanaians abroad, offering a combination of online and in-person procedures to make the process more convenient. Applicants can start by visiting the NIA's web portal (www.register.nia.gov.gh) to fill out the registration form, upload necessary documents, pay fees, and book an appointment for biometric data capture at a Ghanaian mission. This flexible system enables Ghanaians to begin the process from the comfort of their homes.
Eligibility and Documentation Requirements
The Ghana Card registration is open to individuals aged six years and above who can prove their Ghanaian citizenship. Applicants are required to present a valid Ghanaian passport or birth certificate. Those who do not have these documents can still complete the process using a vouching system, which requires two non-relatives or one relative with a Ghana Card to confirm their identity. The vouching process also involves a virtual interview with the Commissioner for Oaths. However, individuals who have renounced their Ghanaian citizenship or non-Ghanaian spouses are not eligible for the card, while dual citizens can apply if they can demonstrate their Ghanaian heritage.
Meeting NIA’s Mandate to Register All Ghanaians
his global rollout is part of NIA's broader mandate to ensure that all Ghanaians, whether at home or abroad, are registered and equipped with a Ghana Card. By making the registration process more accessible and flexible, NIA aims to address the unique challenges faced by Ghanaians living outside the country.
How to Register for the Ghana Card
1. Visit the NIA Portal: Go to www.register.nia.gov.gh and follow the registration guidelines.
2. Complete the Application: Fill out the online form, upload the required documents, and submit the application.
3. Book a Virtual Interview: Schedule an interview to review your application.
4. Biometric Capture: Visit the Ghana Mission with the QR code sent to your email for biometric capture.
5. Vouching Process (if applicable): If you lack the required documents, use the vouching process, which involves a virtual interview with a Commissioner for Oaths and your voucher.
The Ghana Card initiative aims to enhance identification services for all Ghanaians, streamline access to government services, and provide a credible database for planning and development. This rollout represents a significant step toward achieving these goals.
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