The Bank of Ghana has prohibited photocopying of Ghana Cards for banking and mandated biometric verification instead. This move enhances security, reduces fraud risks, and aligns with national regulations. A recent stakeholder event emphasized the need for collaboration on secure identity management, with key attendees advocating for biometrics to be the standard for transactions.
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has explicitly prohibited the photocopying of Ghana Cards for banking processes, mandating the use of biometric verification as the standard for identity authentication. This directive aims to mitigate risks associated with outdated verification practices, aligning with the National Identity Register Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2111). It emphasizes that photocopying cards is not acceptable for customer verification.
Mr. Ashitei Trebi-Ollennu, Deputy Head of the Financial Integrity Office at BoG, stated that photocopying can facilitate fraudulent activities and undermine transaction integrity. He encouraged banks to utilize biometric systems linked to the National Identification database for secure identity authentication, thus enhancing the reliability of financial interactions.
During a recent stakeholder meeting in Accra, organized by Identity Management Systems II (IMS II) Ltd. and the National Identification Authority (NIA), the shift towards biometric verification was discussed. The event, themed “Protect Every Transaction with Biometric Verification,” brought together representatives from the Bank of Ghana, Ghana Association of Banks, and several universal banks to address critical identity verification roles in financial security.
Real-time biometric verification provides numerous benefits, including the prevention of identity theft, reduction of reliance on easily forged documents, and compliance with national and international security standards. James Cantamantu-Koomson, Executive Director of IMS II Ltd., emphasized the need for transitioning to multi-modal biometric approaches to mitigate security vulnerabilities in identity management.
The discussion strengthened collaboration among financial institutions, with banks sharing insights on improving information exchange to streamline verification processes. The NIA reiterated its legal mandate confirming the Ghana Card as the sole identification method for banking transactions, reinforcing the need for compliance among institutions.
The event showcased the significance of biometric verification as the most secure method of authentication, eradicating fraud linked to card photocopying. Stakeholders agreed on the necessity for financial institutions to fully embrace biometric verification as a standard practice, ensuring security and alignment with global best practices.
Key attendees included Mr. John Awuah from the Ghana Association of Banks, other banking officials, and various experts in legal, technology, and biometrics. By the session’s conclusion, there was agreement on the principle “Trust but Verify” as essential for securing Ghana’s financial sector.
Integrating biometric authentication not only ensures transaction protection but also strengthens Ghana’s reputation in secure digital identity verification.
The Bank of Ghana mandates biometric verification over photocopying Ghana Cards, citing risks of fraud and emphasizing secure identity authentication. Stakeholders are encouraged to adapt to biometric methods to enhance financial transaction integrity. This collective commitment aims to bolster trust and security in Ghana’s financial sector, aligning with international standards for identity management.
Original Source: www.myjoyonline.com
