All is set for the full global rollout of registration and Ghana Card issuance to Ghanaians abroad on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Denmark – Europe.
This follows the successful pilot registration of Ghanaians living abroad in Canada and the United States of America, the National Identification Authority (NIA).
Satisfied with the outcome of the pilot registration exercise in Northern America – Ottawa and Toronto in Canada, Washington, D.C., and New York in the United States – attention is now focused on the global rollout.
Training of Embassy staff
Ahead of the official launch on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, officials from the NIA and its technical partners, Identity Management Systems II Limited (IMS), are training staff of the Ghana Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark, to serve as registration officers at the Mission.
First Ghanaian in Europe to get Ghana Card
Significantly, Mr. John Djomaakwei Quaye, a staff at the Ghana Embassy, became the first Ghanaian to be issued the Ghana Card in Europe.
Stakeholder engagement
Following the training of embassy staff, NIA will engage with Ghanaians living in Denmark and Sweden on Sunday, October 20, 2024, to apprise them of activities being undertaken to ensure the seamless registration as well as providing information on the registration requirements and process.
Launch
On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, the NIA will launch the global rollout for Ghana Card registration in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration will participate in the launch virtually.
The event will be chaired by Ghana’s Ambassador to Denmark- Mrs Sylvia Naa Adaawa Annoh.
Countries earmarked for first phase
From Denmark, NIA will move the registration train to Berlin, Amsterdam, Rome, Brussels and Paris for this first phase.
Simplified registration process
The NIA has simplified the Ghana Card registration process for citizens abroad, allowing applicants to start the registration process online by filling registration forms, paying the necessary fees, and booking enrollment appointments from the comfort of their homes, after which applicants visit the Ghanaian mission for in-person biometric capture.
This system offers flexibility and convenience for Ghanaians abroad.
Key requirements and eligibility
The registration is open to individuals aged six and above, with valid Ghanaian passports and birth certificates.
Applicants without these documents can complete the process using a vouching system.
However, individuals who have renounced their Ghanaian citizenship or non-Ghanaian spouses are not eligible for the card.
Dual citizens, who can prove their Ghanaian heritage, are also eligible to apply.
This initiative is in fulfilment of NIA’s mandate to register all Ghanaians at home and abroad.
How to register
To register for the Ghana Card, Ghanaians abroad can follow these steps:
Visit the web portal at www. register.nia.gov.gh and follow the guidelines.
Complete the application form, upload required documents, and submit the application online.
Book a virtual interview for application review.
After the interview, visit the Ghana Mission for biometric capture, using the encrypted QR code received via email.
Vouching process
For applicants lacking a valid passport or birth certificate, the vouching process allows two non-relatives or a relative with a Ghana Card to vouch for them.
This process is completed through a virtual interview with the Commissioner for Oaths and the voucher.
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