Speaking during the opening of two new, highly regarded information technology programmes at the Accra Business School in Baatsona, Accra, the vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, stated that in the country's pursuit of growth, he preferred the Ghana Card above road interchanges.
He claims that although Ghanaians do not completely understand the government's push for digitalization, the administration is prepared to forward the agenda as a means of reshaping the country's economy. Using digitalization, he claimed, the government has been able to address a number of issues that have plagued Ghanaians.
Dr. Bawumia cited the introduction of the Ghana Card as an example of a national identification system whose importance cannot be overstated. Dr. Bawumia pointed out that the Ghana Card, also known as the national identity card, has more advantages than the numerous interchanges built all throughout the nation.
"Some of the issues originate with independence. Lack of a unified national identity system was an issue we inherited. This has existed ever since our independence. For the Ghana Card, we had put in place a national identification system. It has undergone a significant transition for the 16 million Ghanaians who have individual identities today. Many individuals occasionally fail to understand its significance.
According to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, "If you given me 1000 interchanges and the Ghana Card, I would chose the Ghana Card because it has greater effect." He continued by saying that the Ghana card has made life easier, "for instance, students may now get loans without guarantors using the Ghana card."
the Ghana ID
On Friday, September 15, 2017, the administration of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo reopened registration for the Ghana Card.
According to the government, the card would act as a distinctive identification for both Ghanaians who are permanently residing abroad and those who are not.
The Bank of Ghana also announced that the card will be the sole accepted card for all bank transactions in the nation. Currently, the card doubles as an electronic passport and SSNIT card.
On the other hand, the National Communication Authority (NCA) has urged people to re-register their SIM cards with their Ghana Cards.
Ghana Card as an e-passport
The introduction of the Ghana Card, according to Dr. Bawumia, completely complies with the standards for an E-passport, despite being rejected by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, the minister of foreign affairs, refuted this assertion. She informed the lawmakers that the procedures for the Ghana card's recognition as a source document for foreign travel were still being worked out.