Gov't imposes moratorium on independent biometric systems for MDAs

The Office of the President has announced a 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 Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, in a statement dated Friday, October 24, takes effect immediately and is part of the government’s effort to ensure efficient resource use, data security, and standardisation of biometric identification systems across public institutions.

According to the directive, all MDAs are prohibited from procuring, developing, or deploying independent AFIS, operating parallel biometric databases, verifying identities using only ocular inspection of the Ghana Card, or entering into new biometric system contracts without presidential approval.

The moratorium applies to all national and subnational government entities, including state corporations and regulatory agencies. MDAs currently operating independent biometric systems are required to integrate with the National Identification System of the National Identification Authority (NIA) within six months. The NIA will provide technical support to facilitate integration and harmonisation of data.

The government highlighted that the National Identification System is designed to verify identities, prevent duplication, improve interoperability, enhance data security, and reduce costs associated with maintaining multiple biometric databases.

The Minister for the Interior will oversee the implementation of the moratorium and ensure compliance with any unauthorized procurement deemed illegal.

The directive remains in force until further notice, reinforcing the government’s commitment to a unified, secure, and efficient national identification framework.

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