The National Identification Authority (NIA) is opening Ghana Card registration for children aged 6 to 14 starting Tuesday, 5 May 2026. If you’re a parent or guardian in Ghana, here’s what you need to know to get your child registered.
What You Need to Know First
Registration starts in Volta and Oti Regions and will roll out nationwide in phases. About 3.1 million children are expected to be registered across the country. Each phase will run for at least 21 days to give families time to complete the process.
The key thing: your child will need a Ghana Card just like you do. It’s the official identity document, and having one early helps with school enrolment, health services, and future government processes.
What to Bring to the Registration Centre
You’ll need:
- Your own valid Ghana Card (parent or guardian)
- Your child’s birth certificate OR valid passport (if you have one)
- The child (obviously)
If your child doesn’t have a birth certificate or passport, don’t panic. There’s a vouching system (explained below).
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Step 1: Go to your nearest registration centre with your child and your Ghana Card. If your child has no birth certificate or passport, complete the vouching process first (see section below).
Step 2: A registration officer will help you fill out and sign your child’s application form.
Step 3: Submit the form to an enrolment officer. They will take your child’s photograph, fingerprints, and other biometric data (face scan, iris scan).
Step 4: Your Ghana Card and oath of identity forms will be scanned and filed. You’ll get a receipt. Sign it to confirm all details are correct.
Step 5: The enrolment officer sends your child’s information electronically to the National Identity Register (NIR) to complete the digital part.
Step 6: Your child’s Ghana Card is printed, verified biometrically, and handed to you or your guardian.
What If Your Child Has No Birth Certificate?
If your child doesn’t have a birth certificate or passport, you can use the vouching system. An approved person can vouch for your child’s identity and age. That person must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid Ghana Card
- Be one of the following:
- Your child’s biological parent
- Legal guardian
- A close relative (uncle, aunt, grandparent, sibling)
- A social welfare officer (if no relatives are available)
The voucher completes an oath of identity form at the registration centre. This allows your child to be registered without a birth certificate.
Common Pain Points and Troubleshooting
My nearest centre is far away. Centres will be set up across all regions. Check the NIA website or call your regional office closer to May 5 for your closest location.
I don’t have a Ghana Card yet. You’ll need one to register your child. As a parent or guardian, you must present yours during enrolment. If you don’t have one, get yours first.
My child lost their birth certificate. Use the vouching system instead. You don’t need the original document if someone can vouch for your child.
The process sounds long. It’s thorough to prevent fraud and ensure accurate records. Most registrations take 30 minutes to an hour at the centre.
What to Do Now
Gather your Ghana Card and your child’s birth certificate (if you have one). Mark the calendar for 5 May 2026. Check the NIA website or contact your regional office in late April for the exact registration centre location nearest you. Early registration helps you avoid queues as the rollout expands.
One final note: helping a non-Ghanaian person register for a Ghana Card is a criminal offence. Registration is for Ghanaian children only.
Leave a Reply