The Africa Centre for Digital Transformation (ACDT) has urged the National Identification Authority (NIA), the Bank of Ghana (BoG), and financial institutions to ensure that the Ghana Card functions as an ATM card.

In a press statement, ACDT commended the NIA for its efforts in advancing Ghana’s digital identity agenda and called on all stakeholders to collaborate in integrating the Ghana Card into financial transactions.

“The integration of the Ghana Card into banking and financial transactions, initiated by the previous government, will enhance financial inclusion, security, and convenience for millions of Ghanaians,” the statement read.

The organisation outlined several key measures to achieve this goal. It emphasised the importance of linking all bank accounts to the Ghana Card through a secure national database, enabling customers to conduct ATM withdrawals, transfers, and payments using the card.

To bolster security, ACDT proposed incorporating biometric authentication and PIN verification into ATM and POS systems.

It explained that users should be able to verify transactions using either their fingerprints or a unique PIN linked to their Ghana Card.

The organisation also called on banks to upgrade their ATM infrastructure to recognise the Ghana Card’s embedded chip and encouraged retailers to adopt POS systems that support Ghana Card transactions.

Additionally, it stressed the need for clear legal and security guidelines from the Bank of Ghana and financial regulators to safeguard users against fraud and cyber threats.

Public education was another key area highlighted in the statement. ACDT urged a nationwide campaign to inform Ghanaians on how to link their Ghana Card to their bank accounts and use it safely for financial transactions.

“We urge the NIA, Bank of Ghana, and all major financial institutions to expedite actions that will ensure the Ghana Card serves as an ATM card, empowering millions of Ghanaians with seamless and secure financial access,” the statement concluded.