What is the Ghana card?

It is a secure and multi-purpose card that will establish the biometric identity of bona fide holder for verification and authentication of electronic and physical transactions to be conducted in the public and private services space.

8/28/20233 min read

What is the Ghanacard?

The residence permit only allows a foreigner to stay legally in the country. The Non-citizen Ghana card is the mandatory form of identification to be used in all transactions for e.g.; applying for or renewing residence permit, opening or running a bank account etc. So it is mandatory for a foreigner to register for the Non-citizen Ghana card even if they have a permit.

It is a secure and multi-purpose card that will establish the biometric identity of bona fide holder for verification and authentication of electronic and physical transactions to be conducted in the public and private services space.

The Ghana Card is used to validate a persons identity at airports, borders, police check posts and while booking tickets.

If you're staying for more than 90 days in 12 months, you must register for a National Identification Authority Non-citizen Ghana card.

FAQ:

What are the documentary requirements?

Passport/residence permit/international driver’s license

Does everyone need to register?

All foreigners six years and above

Are there any sanctions when an eligible foreigner does not register?

Sanctions of penalty points are prescribed under NIA laws and legislative instrument.

Is there a deadline for registering?

Registration of foreigners for the Non-citizen Ghana card is an on-going process. However, a deadline will be issued soon by which time access to all services will be subject to a Non-citizen Ghana card being presented by the holder as a condition precedent to accessing all services in Ghana.

What happens should my Non-citizen Ghana card get stolen or misplaced?

A new scratch card needs to be purchased then Non-citizen Ghana card will be issued

As a dual citizen, do I need to register for the Non-citizen Ghana card?

Currently, dual citizens do not register for the Non-citizen Ghana card. There will be a separate card for dual citizens to be issued soon

As a foreigner who has registered to become a citizen of Ghana, do I still need to register for the Non-citizen Ghana card?

No, a citizen of Ghana has to register for the citizen Ghana card being issued by National Identification Authority (NIA).

For more info contact Ghana National Identification Authority (NIA) https://nia.gov.gh

Who can apply?

There are three (3) categories of people to be registered, namely:

All Ghanaian citizens by Birth (descent), Registration or Naturalisation aged zero (0) years and above and currently resident in Ghana.
All Ghanaian citizens living abroad
Foreign national legally/permanently resident in Ghana.

How do I renew my Non-citizen Ghana card?

Renewal of the Non-citizen Ghana card is on a yearly basis. One year after the issuance date of the card, the present card will be changed to a smart card on renewal at a fee of USD 60.00.

Thereafter renewal will be done electronically on each renewal date upon payment of the prescribed fee of USD 60.00. There will be a hologram affixed to the card which physically shows the expiry date of the card from year to year. The card is valid for a year and can be renewed at the end of each year after first issuance.

The scratch card sells at a fixed, non-reducible price of USD 120.00 or its cedi equivalent. Please check with Ghana National Identification Authority (NIA) for up to date prices.

How does one register?

A scratch card must first be bought from any Cal Bank branch nationwide and this purchase triggers the registration process where applicant completes registration form, personal information and biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) are then taken. Applicant is then instantly issued a Non-citizen card which signifies the completion of the registration process

The non-citizen Ghana card does not replace the residence or work or student permits.