The National Identification Authority (NIA) has launched a pilot programme to issue Ghana Cards to Ghanaians living outside the country.
The project will begin in Ottawa and Ontario, Canada.
NIA Executive Secretary Prof. Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah announced plans to train the staff of Ghana’s missions to handle registrations as required by law.
The initiative aims to extend Ghana Card services to the diaspora community, ensuring they can access essential services and exercise their rights as citizens.
The pilot phase will be extended to Washington, D.C., and New York in the United States.
Last week, officials from the NIA and its technical partner, Identity Management Systems (IMS), held public engagements in Ottawa and Ontario after which they trained selected officials of Ghana’s mission in Canada.
These staff are working as registration officers in the first phase of the pilot exercise to register Ghanaians abroad.
Officials from the NIA and IMS, are currently in New York to hold public engagements and train embassy staff to serve as registration officers.
Ghanaians abroad can fill out forms online, pay fees, and book appointments from the comfort of their homes.
According to the NIA, the registration process is simplified, takes only 10 minutes, and requires biometric data and documentation.
Applicants and persons vouching for them are going to be interviewed online.
Applicants only go to the mission at their appointed date and time to submit their biometrics and be issued cards.
Fees vary by region, ranging from $55 to $115.
The Ghana Card features advanced security features and serves as a replacement for various identification numbers. Data security is assured, with all data stored in Ghana and not in the cloud.
This initiative marks a significant step in extending Ghana Card services to Ghanaians abroad, ensuring their inclusion and access to essential services.