Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr. l Alisa Hotel, Accra l Thursday, May 21, 2026
The Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, has praised the National Identification Authority (NIA) for its remarkable transformation over the past two decades, describing the Ghana Card as a powerful instrument for national inclusion, security and economic participation.
Delivering the keynote address at the launch of the NIA’s 20th anniversary celebrations in Accra, the Minister said Ghana’s national identification system had evolved from a modest concept into a sophisticated biometric infrastructure that now underpins governance and service delivery across the country.
The anniversary celebration, held at the Alisa Hotel, was on the theme: “Reflecting on the Past, Securing the Future: 20 Years of the NIA.”
Mr. Muntaka noted that when Ghana embarked on the national identification journey in 2006, the task was difficult and resources were limited, but the determination and foresight of stakeholders helped lay a solid foundation for what has become one of the country’s most important public institutions.
“Today, the Ghana Card transcends its role as a mere identification document. It stands as a gateway connecting citizens to financial services, healthcare, telecommunications and a wide range of public services,” he stated.
According to him, the card has become a symbol of national identity and a major driver of efficiency in both the public and private sectors.
The Interior Minister commended former Executive Secretaries of the NIA for their contributions to the institution’s growth, stressing that the achievements of the Authority were built on the sacrifices and dedication of previous administrations.
He praised the current leadership of the Authority under Executive Secretary, Mr. Wisdom Kwaku Deku, for restoring public confidence in the institution through reforms and operational improvements over the past year.
Mr. Muntaka disclosed that significant progress had been made in clearing card backlogs, expanding accessibility to NIA services and implementing critical institutional and technical reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s digital identity ecosystem.
He said the renewed focus on data security, system integrity and strategic partnerships was essential in building a secure and trusted national identification framework.
“As the sector Minister, I am especially heartened by the Authority’s strong focus on system integrity, data security and strategic partnership. These pillars are essential in building an identification ecosystem that is secure, trustworthy and future-oriented,” he stated.
The Minister stressed the need for universal identity coverage to ensure that no Ghanaian was left behind, adding that innovation and technology must continue to drive identity management in the country.
He assured the NIA of government’s unwavering support and encouraged management and staff to sustain the momentum and continue exploring new frontiers in identity management within Ghana and across the sub-region.
Mr. Muntaka further described the development of a national identity system as a continuous journey that must evolve alongside the aspirations of the people and the changing demands of the economy.
He congratulated the NIA on its 20 years of service and expressed optimism that the Authority would continue to play a critical role in Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.
