By Eugene Nyarko Jnr.
The National Identification Authority (NIA), in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), will begin a special Ghana Card registration exercise for Ghanaians living in selected border communities along the Ghana–Burkina Faso border from Monday, July 13 to Thursday, August 6, 2026.
The exercise, according to a press release issued by the NIA, is aimed at registering eligible Ghanaians aged six years and above who are yet to obtain the Ghana Card. The registration will be conducted in the Sissala West and Lambussie districts of the Upper West Region, as well as the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region.
The Authority explained that the initiative follows the successful pilot registration exercise carried out in Pusiga in 2024 and will be implemented in carefully planned phases to ensure wider access to the national identification system for residents in border communities.
In the Sissala West District, registration centres will be established in Gwollu, Jitong, Fielmon, Fatchu, Wiero, Kupulma, Kwala and Puzene.
Residents of the Lambussie District will be able to register at Dahile, Happa, Bamwon, Kokoligu, Hamile, Numoro, Kuni and Limeira.
In the Kassena-Nankana West District, the exercise will cover the communities of Gwaru, Nania, Bisiawo and Zeng.
The NIA urged all eligible residents who have not yet registered for the Ghana Card to take advantage of the exercise by presenting the required documents. Applicants are expected to provide the original copy of a birth certificate, a valid Ghana passport, proof of naturalisation or a certificate of acquired citizenship.
The Authority stated that applicants who do not possess any of the required documents may still register by being vouched for under oath by one eligible relative or two approved community members who are Ghanaian citizens and already possess Ghana Cards.
The NIA also cautioned the public against providing false information during the registration process or assisting non-Ghanaians to obtain the Ghana Card. It warned that such offences are punishable by law and may attract fines, imprisonment, or both.
The special registration exercise forms part of efforts by the NIA, in collaboration with the IOM, to expand access to Ghana’s national identification system, particularly in border communities, while strengthening identity management and national security.
