The National Identification Authority (NIA) has confirmed plans to roll out an e-wallet feature on the Ghana Card, paving the way for the national identity card to function as both a digital ID and an ATM card.
The development follows months of advocacy by the Africa Centre for Digital Transformation (ACDT), which has consistently argued that the Ghana Card’s integration into the country’s financial ecosystem would enhance financial inclusion and accelerate digital transformation.
In a statement, ACDT welcomed the NIA’s decision, describing it as a “groundbreaking development that will enable the Ghana Card to function as an ATM card while also serving as a key instrument for advancing digital financial services nationwide.”
The centre noted that its sustained policy engagement, thought leadership, and public advocacy had emphasised the card’s transformative potential to provide secure verification, improve access to banking and payments, and promote interoperability within Ghana’s growing digital economy.
Earlier this year, ACDT highlighted these opportunities in several media publications, including Joy News, Graphic Online and the Business and Financial Times.
ACDT commended the NIA for what it called a forward-looking policy direction and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that drive digital innovation across Africa. “This development is not only a win for Ghana but also sets a strong example for other African countries seeking to leverage digital identity systems to accelerate socioeconomic growth,” the organisation stated.
The NIA is expected to announce timelines for the nationwide rollout of the e-wallet feature in the coming months.
