Ghana to introduce digital version of national ID card for enhanced access and authentication

Margins ID Group, the creators of Ghana’s national ID card, the Ghana Card, have announced plans to roll out a digital version next year. Moses Baiden, CEO of Margins ID Group, revealed that the digital ID, accessible through a mobile app, will mirror all features of the physical card, providing a convenient alternative for identity verification.

Baiden also revealed plans to activate a dormant digital payments feature on the physical Ghana Card next year, emphasizing the necessity of establishing legislative frameworks for activating about 18 other features on the ID card.

While emphasising the digital leap, Baiden highlighted that the physical card would remain in use due to infrastructure limitations. The move aims to simplify authentication processes, especially in card loss or damage cases, contributing to Ghana’s evolving digital landscape.

Why does it matter?

Despite substantial governmental investments in information and communication technology (ICT), rural areas in Ghana continue to face challenges characterised by sluggish broadband speed and unreliable internet connectivity. Although the national internet penetration rate reached 76% in 2023, indicating notable progress, concerns linger regarding the enduring digital divide. Addressing these issues, Dr Ken Ashigbey, the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications CEO, advocates for strengthened public-private collaboration. The recent plan for a digital ID in Ghana reflects a proactive step towards digital transformation, but ensuring widespread benefits will demand intensified efforts to bridge the digital divide gap.