The National Identification Authority (NIA), in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has announced the resumption of Ghana Card registration for children aged 6 to 14 years, effective Tuesday, 5th May 2026.
Speaking to the Executive Secretary, Mr. Wisdom Kwaku Deku said the Authority is targeting the registration of about 3.1 million children nationwide, as part of efforts to deepen inclusion and strengthen Ghana’s national identity system from an early age.
Mr. Deku further noted that the exercise will commence in the Volta and Oti Regions and will be rolled out across other regions in phases, adding that each phase is expected to run for 21 days or more where necessary, to ensure comprehensive coverage.
To register a child, parents or guardians are required to present one of the following: the child’s original Birth Certificate or a valid Ghanaian passport, or a Certificate of Acquired Citizenship. Where these documents are unavailable, a parent, relative, or legal guardian may complete an Oath of Identity form.
For children without known relatives, two Social Welfare Officers may vouch for the child under oath. Additionally, parents or guardians who have enrolled their children onto the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) are advised to present the child’s NHIS card or number during registration. Persons presenting children for registration must be Ghanaian, at least 18 years of age, of sound mind, and in possession of a valid Ghana Card.
The Authority has advised that children who were registered during the 2024 pilot phase but are yet to receive their cards should visit the NIA district office where they registered to have their cards issued. It cautioned that any attempt to re-register such children will be blocked by the system.
The NIA has encouraged all parents, legal guardians, and Social Welfare Officers within the affected regions to take advantage of the exercise by visiting designated registration centres.
The Authority further cautioned that any individual who provides false information or facilitates the registration of a non-Ghanaian will face prosecution, including fines and possible imprisonment.
The NIA reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a secure, inclusive, and reliable national identity system for all Ghanaians.
