The Office of the President has declared a moratorium on the acquisition and utilization of independent biometric Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) by all Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), as well as Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
This directive, issued by the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, in a statement dated Friday, October 24, is effective immediately and is part of the government’s initiative to promote efficient resource utilization, ensure data security, and standardize biometric identification systems across public institutions.
As per the directive, all MDAs are forbidden from procuring, developing, or deploying independent AFIS, operating parallel biometric databases, verifying identities solely through ocular inspection of the Ghana Card, or entering into new contracts for biometric systems without presidential authorization.
The moratorium is applicable to all national and subnational government entities, including state corporations and regulatory agencies. MDAs that are currently operating independent biometric systems must integrate with the National Identification System of the National Identification Authority (NIA) within a period of six months. The NIA will offer technical assistance to facilitate the integration and harmonization of data.
The government emphasized that the National Identification System is intended to verify identities, prevent duplication, enhance interoperability, improve data security, and minimize costs related to maintaining multiple biometric databases.
The Minister for the Interior will supervise the implementation of the moratorium and ensure compliance with any unauthorized procurement considered illegal.
This directive will remain in effect until further notice, underscoring the government’s dedication to a unified, secure, and efficient national identification framework.
