The Ghana card has recently become an essential identification tool in the country. It is issued by the National Identification Authority (for Ghanaian citizens) and the Foreigner Identification Management System (for non-Ghanaians), and is part of Ghana's digital transformation agenda. However, is a Ghana card a resident permit? The short answer is no! In this article, we'll shed more light on the Ghana card and why it's different from the resident permit.
Understanding the Ghana card
The Ghana card is a biometric national identity card that includes a person's key personal details such as name, date of birth, nationality, biometric data (fingerprints, iris scan), and a unique 13-digit personal identification number (PIN). In 2021, this ID became the standard requirement for accessing a range of public services, including banking, SIM card registration, tax filing (TIN), and voter registration.
The Ghana card is issued to:
- Ghanaian citizens living in Ghana
- Ghanaian citizens abroad (through the diaspora registration program)
- Foreign nationals legally residing in Ghana (through the Non-Citizen Ghana Card)
It's worth noting that the non-citizen Ghana card is non-negotiable for all foreigners living in Ghana for more than 90 days. However, this doesn't make it a substitute for a resident permit.
Exploring the differences between Ghana card and resident permit
A Ghana resident permit is a legal authorization issued by the Ghana Immigration Service that allows a foreign national to reside and sometimes work in Ghana for a specific period. There are several types, including work permits, dependent or spouse permits, student permits, and refugee permits.
The key differences between the Ghana card and resident permit are:
- The Non-Citizen Ghana Card is a form of identification.
- A resident permit is a legal authorization to reside in Ghana.
- Having a Ghana Card (non-citizen version) is a requirement for applying for or renewing a resident permit.
- One does not replace the other; rather, they work in tandem.
Importance of understanding the differences
Understanding the distinctions between the Ghana card and resident permit as a foreigner can prevent you from dealing with immigration problems. Whether you're an expatriate, international student, foreign investor or even a dual citizen, failing to obtain the correct documentation could lead to fines, deportation, or denial of services. It's also worth noting that, as of January 2024, the Ghana Immigration Service mandates that all foreign residents must present a valid Non-Citizen Ghana Card when applying for or renewing residence permits, business registrations, and tax documentation (GRA).
In conclusion, the Ghana card is an essential identification tool, but it is not a resident permit. However, every foreigner needs both documents to remain compliant with immigration laws while conducting business transactions and accessing government services easily.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
