The Office of the President has announced an immediate moratorium on the development, procurement, and use of independent biometric Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) by all Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
The directive, issued by the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, aims to promote data security, efficiency, and standardisation of biometric identification systems across all public institutions.
Under the new policy, MDAs and MMDAs are barred from creating or maintaining separate AFIS platforms, operating parallel biometric databases, or relying solely on visual verification of the Ghana Card for identity confirmation. Furthermore, no new biometric contracts may be signed without prior presidential approval.
The restriction applies to all government institutions at both national and local levels, including state-owned enterprises and regulatory bodies. Agencies currently using independent biometric systems have been directed to integrate their databases with the National Identification System (NIS) managed by the National Identification Authority (NIA) within six months.
To support the transition, the NIA will provide technical assistance to ensure seamless integration and harmonisation of data systems.
According to the Presidency, the decision is intended to enhance interoperability, eliminate duplication, strengthen data protection, and reduce costs associated with maintaining multiple biometric systems.
The Minister for the Interior has been tasked with overseeing compliance, and any unauthorised procurements will be treated as illegal.
The moratorium will remain in force until further notice, as government works to build a unified, secure, and efficient national identification infrastructure.
