The National Identification Authority (NIA) has temporarily suspended all requests for date of birth updates on the Ghana Card, effective Monday, November 9, 2026, as it moves to review and strengthen the procedures governing such changes.
The suspension, which takes immediate effect nationwide, means applicants will no longer be able to submit new requests to correct or update their dates of birth at any NIA office until further notice.
In a press release issued on Monday, November 9, the Authority said the decision followed a review of its existing date of birth update process, which identified the need for stronger safeguards to protect the integrity and credibility of the system.
The NIA said it was engaging relevant institutions, including the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Births and Deaths Registry (BDR), alongside other key stakeholders, to strengthen the guidelines governing date of birth update applications.
According to the Authority, the consultations are intended to establish a transparent, credible and standardised framework for assessing and processing such requests.
The suspension covers both new applications and requests already submitted to the Authority.
The NIA has directed that no new date of birth update requests should be accepted or processed at any of its offices across the country during the suspension period.
It has also clarified that applications already undergoing processing will not be approved until further notice.
The directive therefore places the entire date of birth update service on hold while the Authority works with the relevant institutions to review the existing procedures and develop improved guidelines.
The Authority has not provided a specific timeline for the resumption of date of birth update services.
It has, however, assured the public that it will issue a further announcement once consultations with the relevant institutions and stakeholders have been completed and the revised guidelines are ready.
The NIA has apologised for any inconvenience the temporary suspension may cause, particularly to individuals who require corrections to their personal information on the Ghana Card.
It has also appealed to the public for patience, understanding and cooperation as it undertakes the review.
The Ghana Card is Ghana’s national identity document and serves as a key identification and verification credential for accessing various public and private sector services.
By 1960news.com
