The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced a significant breakthrough in its operations, declaring that a two-year backlog of unissued Ghana Cards has been completely cleared.

This achievement, which has resolved a critical shortage of blank cards, now allows for the instant issuance of new Ghana Cards across the country’s 292 registration centres.

In an interview with the Daily Graphic on September 11, 2025, the Head of the Corporate Affairs Directorate of the NIA, Williams Ampomah E. Darlas, confirmed that the authority has successfully overcome the supply chain issues that had plagued its operations from March 2023 to January 2025.

"Between March 2023 and January 2025, yes, we had that issue because there was a shortage of blank cards in the system," he explained. "Now, under the new administration, all those backlogs have been cleared. If you registered and did not get your card, you can now go back to the centre where you registered and collect it".

Mr. Darlas assured the public that the NIA's operational capacity has been fully restored, enabling new applicants to receive their Ghana Cards on the same day they register.

"If you register today, you should be able to get your card today,” he promised.

Providing updated statistics on the national identification system, Mr. Darlas revealed that a total of 18,950,942 Ghanaians have been registered onto the NIA’s database.

Of this number, 18,848,635 cards have been printed, and 17,747,459 have already been issued to applicants. This leaves a remaining stock of "a little less than a million cards to be distributed" to applicants.

The Corporate Affairs Director also highlighted the Ghana Card's role as the central pillar of identity verification in the country.

As of the interview, approximately 95 institutions, including all major banks and key government agencies, have integrated with the NIA’s platform for real-time identity verification. He stated that other institutions not yet connected were being assisted to integrate into the system.

In a new development, Mr. Darlas disclosed that the NIA is developing a mobile application to allow smaller institutions, such as microfinance companies, to access the platform for their operations.

In a firm warning to institutions and the public, Mr. Darlas cautioned against the practice of demanding photocopies of the Ghana Card. He emphasized that biometric verification through thumbprints and digital authentication is the only lawful means of validation.

"No, it’s not allowed," he stressed, adding that the NIA is taking steps to address this illegal practice. "We are even amending our laws to give us the opportunity to punish institutions that request or photocopy the ID cards of citizens,” he noted.

He clarified that such practices pose a serious risk, as they can expose citizens to "identity theft and other crimes".

Mr. Darlas concluded by stating that legislative amendments would be laid before Parliament upon its resumption to strengthen the NIA’s mandate in protecting the integrity of the national identification system.

This move underscores the government's commitment to ensuring the security of the Ghana Card database, which is now the primary national identification document.