The National Identification Authority (NIA) has begun prosecuting foreign nationals accused of attempting to illegally acquire the Ghana Card, warning that offenders will face severe consequences, including imprisonment and deportation.

The move follows multiple reports from financial institutions and members of the public about suspicious attempts by non-citizens to infiltrate the national identification system.

So far, one person has been convicted and is currently serving an eight-month prison sentence, while 13 other cases, including one involving seven Nigerian nationals, are under active prosecution. Authorities say that those convicted will be deported after serving their terms.

“We’ve got reports from individuals, some financial institutions, and well-meaning Ghanaians that some foreigners in the past few weeks have been scanning our registration centres to ostensibly get access to our citizen register. As we speak, we’ve been able to convict one who is serving an eight-month jail term.

We have thirteen more cases under active investigation. Just last week, we went to the Dansoman Circuit Court with about seven Nigerians who attempted to register for the citizen card. God willing, on 6th August, Wednesday, we are reappearing with them, and we’re hopeful we’ll get conviction and convict these guys to prison. All the convictions, after they are done serving their terms, they will be deported to their home countries,” said Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, Head of Corporate Affairs at the NIA.

The Ghana Card has become the primary form of identification for accessing essential services, making the integrity of the registration system a matter of national security.

The NIA has stepped up surveillance, tightened security protocols at registration centres, and is working with relevant agencies to curb illegal registration attempts by foreign nationals.

The Authority is also urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity at registration points.