By Ruth Serwaa Asare
Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, has highlighted the country’s impressive strides in building a robust National Identification System at the ongoing Digital Government Africa Conference 2025 in Zambia.
Speaking during a panel discussion, he emphasized that Ghana’s National Identification System, driven by the Ghana Card, has become a cornerstone of inclusive governance, improved public service delivery, and enhanced financial inclusion.
Terlabi noted that Ghana has prioritized accessibility by deploying mobile registration teams to hard-to-reach areas and integrating the ID system with school enrollments, health facilities, and birth registration. These efforts, he said, ensure that every Ghanaian regardless of location has access to a secure digital identity.
He further explained that Ghana’s Data Protection Act, alongside strong technical safeguards such as encrypted databases and biometric authentication, guarantees the privacy and security of citizens’ data.
According to him, Ghana’s experience offers valuable lessons for other African nations, particularly in building public trust, ensuring inclusivity, and creating sustainable digital identity systems.
“Ghana stands ready to collaborate, share experiences, and learn from sister nations across the continent,” Terlabi stated, adding that digital identity must serve as a tool for empowerment, equity, and inclusive growth in Africa.
The Digital Government Africa Conference 2025, opened by the President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, brought together policymakers, industry experts, and innovators to explore how digital transformation can drive governance and economic growth across the continent.
