A man who pretended to be a National Identification Authority (NIA) worker has been jailed for 30 days after defrauding Ghana Card applicants in Accra. Fidelis Samuel Mensah posed as NIA staff at the Authority’s Regional Office and stole money, phones, and personal documents from unsuspecting people.
The Gbese District Court convicted him, the NIA announced on Thursday, June 25, 2026. He pleaded guilty to stealing and fraud.
How the Ghana Card fraud scam worked
Mensah approached applicants at the NIA office and claimed he could help them register for the Ghana Card or update their records faster. People trusted him because he was at the official office. He then collected cash, mobile phones, and identity documents from his victims under false pretences.
The NIA’s Police Investigation Unit and staff arrested him after investigations uncovered the scheme.
What this means for Ghana Card applicants
This scam shows how easy it is to be fooled when someone claims to work for an official agency, especially at a government office. If you’re applying for a Ghana Card, you need to be careful who you give money or documents to.
Here’s what to watch for:
- Ask for ID. Real NIA staff carry official identification. Ask to see it before you hand over anything.
- Use only official service points. The NIA has designated places where you can apply. Don’t let anyone collect money or documents “on the side.”
- Know the real process. Ghana Card registration doesn’t require you to pay unofficial fees or give documents to random people at the office. If someone offers a “shortcut,” it’s likely a scam.
- Report suspicious activity. If someone at an NIA office asks for money or tries to take your documents privately, report it immediately to NIA staff or police.
The NIA stated: “The NIA urges the public to remain vigilant and deal only with authorized officials at designated service points.”
If you’ve been contacted by someone claiming to offer Ghana Card services outside official channels, don’t engage. Report it to the NIA or your nearest police station. Scammers often find their victims through social media or phone calls too, so stay skeptical of anyone offering to help speed up your application.
What to do now: If you’re planning to apply for a Ghana Card, go directly to an official NIA service centre. Check the NIA website or call their office to confirm the correct location and process. Never hand money or documents to anyone unless you’re certain they’re an official NIA worker with valid ID.
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