The Chief Executive Officer of the National Identification Authority (NIA), Yayra Koku, has assured the public that the Ghana Card remains valid for 10 years, despite recent discussions around a possible reduction in its validity period.

In response to public concerns, Koku acknowledged that his earlier remarks about a proposal for shorter validity sparked debate, assuring that no changes have been made.

He, however, noted that stakeholder consultations are ongoing to determine the best way forward.

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“Despite my earlier statement about a proposal to reduce the validity of the Ghana Card, it is still valid for ten years. Stakeholder consultation is ongoing, and we have taken note of the public outcry,” he clarified in a post on X.

Koku explained that identity cards are subject to expiration for two main reasons: card lifespan, the physical durability of the card and mandatory data updates to ensure that citizens periodically refresh their information to keep national data dynamic rather than static.

He challenged Ghanaians to reflect on whether the current 10-year cycle is too long before requiring mandatory updates.

“How many of us have updated our information since we registered for our Ghana Card? Is 10 years too long to force such a mandatory information update? These are the questions we should ask ourselves,” he noted.

According to him, updating citizens’ data is not about inconveniencing the public or raising money but about equipping the government with reliable, up-to-date information for effective planning.

“The government requires dynamic data for planning. It’s not about money or putting Ghanaians through stress. Technology is always available to solve this," he emphasised.

Koku assured that the NIA remains committed to engaging with the public and stakeholders to improve its services and strengthen Ghana’s identity management system.

“We will continue to collaborate with the public to advance the work of the NIA,” he said.

See his post below:

Despite my earlier statement about a proposal to reduce the validity of the Ghana Card, it is still valid for ten years. Stakeholder consultation is ongoing, and we have taken note of the public outcry.

However, ID cards expire due to two fundamental issues.
1. Card Lifespan
2.…

— Yayra Koku (@YayraKoku) September 24, 2025