Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has received praise from an overwhelming number of social media users following a government announcement that the Ghana Card will, from January next year, become mandatory for all insurance transactions.

According to a notice issued by the National Insurance Commission (NIC), all customers will be required to present a valid Ghana Card before completing any insurance transaction, including the purchase and renewal of insurance policies.

With the Ghana Card having become closely associated with Dr. Bawumia—due to his strong advocacy for its implementation and his emphasis on its national importance—many Ghanaians on social media believe the former Vice President has been vindicated. This is especially so given that the then opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) had previously mocked him for prioritising the Ghana Card initiative.

In reactions following the publication of the directive on Joy News’ social media platforms, several users hailed Dr. Bawumia’s vision and described the policy as having a positive impact on the nation. Many also recalled how some members of the then opposition NDC had downplayed the importance of the Ghana Card.

“The stone that was castigated, rubbished and dishonoured has now become the cornerstone. The battle is still the Lord’s,” Yaw Darko commented under the post.

“In fact, I now understand why Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia said the Ghana Card is better than 1,000 interchanges. Wow, this man is very visionary and futuristic,” Salif Osman wrote.

Another commentator, Osei-Tutu Avicenna, said: “God bless Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. You laid a solid foundation for all this to be possible today. Ghana is grateful.”

“Congratulations to Dr. Bawumia. Indeed, the Ghana Card is more important than 1,000 interchanges,” added another user, Blessborn Qwadwo Assuming, while De-Chairman General simply described the development as “the Bawumia effect.”

According to the National Insurance Commission, the decision to make the Ghana Card mandatory for all insurance transactions is aimed at improving claims management and strengthening Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) measures within the insurance industry.

The Commission believes the use of the Ghana Card will also help reduce fraud and align Ghana’s insurance sector with global financial services standards.

The Ghana Card is already a mandatory requirement for opening bank accounts, as well as for all deposits and withdrawals. It is also required for SIM card registration with telecommunications companies and for several other public- and private-sector transactions.