ACDT urges full integration of Ghana Card into banking operations

By Ernest Bako WUBONTO

The Africa Centre for Digital Transformation (ACDT) has called on the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to intensify its collaboration with the National Identification Authority (NIA) to fully integrate the Ghana Card into banking operations.

According to the policy think tank, as the country advances in financial and digital transformation, the Ghana Card serves as a critical digital identity tool. ACDT stressed the importance of ensuring that all major financial institutions work together to enable the card’s full functionality, including its use for ATM withdrawals, transfers and payments.

ACDT’s Executive Vice President, Evelyn Kwarteng, highlighted that a seamless integration of the Ghana Card into banking operations would facilitate government efforts to synchronise the card with all major national databases, including healthcare and tax clearance. This, she noted, would eliminate the need for multiple cards and enhance efficiency.

“The NIA, in collaboration with the Bank of Ghana and financial institutions, should ensure that all bank accounts are linked to the Ghana Card through a secure national database. This will allow customers to perform ATM withdrawals, transfers and payments using their Ghana Card,” she stated.

The move to integrate the Ghana Card into financial transactions began in 2022 to enhance financial inclusion, security and convenience. However, ACDT believes the process remains incomplete, preventing users from fully accessing its additional benefits.

On July 1, 2022, the BoG mandated the Ghana Card as the sole identification card for transactions at all BoG-licensed and regulated financial institutions. While this was a significant step, ACDT insists that further upgrades are needed to unlock its full potential.

Calls for global integration

In an era of globalisation and e-commerce, ACDT is urging the BoG to collaborate with international payment service providers such as Mastercard and Visa to ensure the Ghana Card can be used for purchases and digital transactions, citing Estonia’s successful model.

Strengthening security measures

To enhance security, ACDT emphasised the need for biometric authentication and PIN verification for Ghana Card transactions. It urged banks to integrate fingerprint and PIN-based verification into ATM and Point of Sale (POS) systems to safeguard users from fraud and unauthorised transactions.

Additionally, ACDT called on the BoG to ensure banks upgrade their ATM infrastructure to recognise the Ghana Card’s embedded chip. Retailers, it added, should also adopt POS systems compatible with Ghana Card transactions to facilitate seamless digital payments.

“The Bank of Ghana and financial regulators should establish legal and security guidelines to protect users from fraud, cyber threats and unauthorised transactions when using the Ghana Card for financial activities,” Madam Kwarteng stressed.

Public awareness and education

To ensure a smooth transition, ACDT is advocating for a nationwide public education campaign to guide citizens on linking their Ghana Card to their bank accounts and safely using it for financial transactions.

The organisation believes that successful implementation of these measures will mark a major milestone in Ghana’s digital transformation.

“We urge the NIA, Bank of Ghana, and all major financial institutions to expedite actions that will ensure the Ghana Card serves as an ATM card, empowering millions of Ghanaians with seamless and secure financial access,” Madam Kwarteng concluded.