The Office of the President has announced an immediate moratorium on the 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, forms part of government’s efforts to promote data security, resource efficiency, and standardisation of biometric identification systems across public institutions.
Under the new directive, all MDAs are prohibited from developing, procuring, or deploying independent AFIS platforms, running parallel biometric databases, or verifying identities using only visual inspection of the Ghana Card.
Additionally, no new biometric contracts may be entered into without prior presidential approval.
The ban applies to all government entities at both national and subnational levels, including state-owned enterprises and regulatory agencies. Institutions currently operating independent biometric systems have been instructed to integrate their databases with the National Identification System managed by the National Identification Authority (NIA) within six months.
To ensure smooth implementation, the NIA will provide technical support to facilitate system integration and harmonisation of data.
According to the Presidency, the move is intended to enhance interoperability, eliminate duplication, strengthen data protection, and reduce operational costs linked to maintaining multiple biometric systems.
The Minister for the Interior has been tasked to oversee compliance with any unauthorized procurements deemed illegal.
The moratorium will remain in effect until further notice as government reinforces its commitment to building a unified, secure, and efficient national identification framework.
