Ghana Enhances Functionality of National Identity Card With Mobile Money and Driver’s License Integration
Ghana is set to expand the functionality of its national identity card, the Ghana Card, by integrating it with mobile money services, bank accounts, and driver’s licenses. This initiative, led by the National Identification Authority (NIA), aims to enhance financial transactions, identity verification, and government service accessibility.
With the upcoming integration, Ghana Card holders will be able to make payments without needing vendor phone numbers or mobile money details. According to Yayra Koku, Acting CEO of the NIA, this financial linkage will streamline transactions while strengthening Ghana’s digital payment ecosystem. Additionally, card replacements will become more efficient, allowing citizens to obtain new cards instantly at designated service points using fingerprint verification.
The Ghana Card will also serve as an official driver’s license, eliminating redundant processes at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA). By leveraging existing biometric data, the new system will remove the need for separate fingerprinting, significantly improving efficiency and reducing administrative bottlenecks.
The Ghana Card is already linked to CitizenApp, a platform enabling secure access to government services through biometric authentication. This move aligns with broader regional trends, as other African nations, such as Kenya, are adopting similar digital ID programs.
A Step Toward a Digital Economy
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emphasized that these enhancements will boost business growth, streamline public services, and enhance Ghana’s global competitiveness. By consolidating multiple functions into a single digital ID, Ghana is taking a significant step toward modernizing its economy and financial systems while improving efficiency across various sectors.
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