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Ghana government sets three-month deadline for Ghana Card verification compliance
via GhanaWeb1 min read
Public and private institutions in Ghana that use the Ghana Card for identity verification have been given a three-month transition period to comply with new biometric verification requirements under Legislative Instrument LI 2533. The Minister of the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed, announced on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, that organizations have from July 27 to November 2, 2026, to implement the necessary systems, infrastructure, and staff training. During this period, institutions are expected to establish protocols to implement LI 2533. The Minister emphasized that this transition is for orderly implementation and does not suspend or waive any obligations under the policy. Under LI 2533, organizations can no longer rely on photocopies, scanned images, or visual inspection of the Ghana Card for identity verification. Instead, they must authenticate individuals through biometric verification against the national identification register or by using National Identification Authority-approved smart card devices. The Minister urged various institutions, including banks, telecommunications companies, hospitals, schools, insurance firms, and government agencies, to onboard onto the National Identification Authority's Identity Verification System Platform. Non-compliant organizations after the transition period face sanctions, including penalties and suspension of access to the national identity verification platform. These reforms aim to strengthen Ghana's national identity syst
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The Bank of Ghana has issued a warning to traders, transport operators, and businesses regarding the refusal to accept Ghana cedi coins and notes, stating that such actions are criminal offenses. In a public notice signed by Bank Secretary Aimee Vyda Quashie on Tuesday, July 22, 2026, the Central Bank expressed concern over the widespread refusal to accept various pesewa and cedi coins for goods and services. This directive follows an earlier instruction on currency misuse and defacement, addressing the unlawful refusal to accept legal tender. The Bank reminded the public that all coins issued by the Bank of Ghana are lawful currency and must be accepted according to the Bank of Ghana Act, 2002 Act 612 and the Currency Act, 1964 Act 242. The notice clarifies that no entity or individual has the discretion to refuse these coins due to inconvenience, low value, or personal preference, as they have not been demonetized or withdrawn. Refusing to sell to a buyer paying with coins or notes is an offense under the Currency Act, 1964, carrying penalties of up to three years imprisonment, a fine, or both. Business owners instructing staff to reject coins will be held responsible, and offenders may be arrested without a warrant. The Bank of Ghana will collaborate with the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies for enforcement. The public is encouraged to report non-compliance to the Bank of Ghana, the Ghana Police Service, or through the Bank鈥檚 official communication c
Nana Gyan Aka VI, Chief of Salma in the Ellembelle District, has publicly supported the government's decision to permanently revoke the mining leases of Adamus Resources Limited. Speaking at a press conference on July 22, 2026, Nana Gyan Aka VI refuted claims that Salma youth back Adamus, stating the community wants the company to leave due to alleged illegal activities and lack of development. He identified individuals defending Adamus in a publication as imposters. The government revoked Adamus's leases in May 2026 over allegations of transferring concessions to Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining. While Adamus's CEO, Angela List, petitioned for reconsideration, an independent committee is reviewing the matter, and an Interim Management Committee is supervising operations. The President of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Council and Paramount Chief of Atuabo, Awulae Blay IX, also supports the revocation, citing Adamus's long history of illegal activities and failure to undertake development projects in the Ellembelle District. Salma's chief and other traditional leaders are united in their call for Adamus to exit, urging the government to find a new, responsible investor to develop the community.
Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has disavowed any involvement in the ongoing prosecution of Prince Aboagye, the National Democratic Congress NDC Branch Organiser for Agona West Constituency. Aboagye was arrested for alleged offensive remarks made against Dr Bawumia. In a statement, Dr Bawumia, who is the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party NPP, clarified that he neither lodged a complaint nor sanctioned the prosecution of Aboagye or any other citizen for their speech. He emphasized his belief that offensive speech should be met with better speech and truth, not state power or legal action. Dr Bawumia has called on the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to discontinue the prosecution and release Aboagye, stating that Ghana's democracy is strengthened when citizens can speak freely without fear. Meanwhile, an Accra Circuit Court granted Aboagye bail in the sum of GH垄200,000 with three sureties, but he remains in police custody after failing to meet the bail conditions. Police reported that Aboagye was arrested on July 19, 2026, after a video circulated on TikTok showing him allegedly making offensive and insulting remarks against Dr Bawumia, including accusations of murder, theft, and extramarital affairs. Aboagye reportedly admitted to making the statements during his caution statement.