Margins ID Group, the manufacturers of Ghana’s National Identity Card, popularly known as the Ghana Card, have reaffirmed that this multifaceted card indeed comprises three secure identity profiles, including a state-of-the-art electronic passport (e-passport) that aligns with the most stringent international standards.
This revelation surfaced during a recent stakeholder forum convened for a select group of editors within the country. Moses Baiden, the Chief Executive of Margins, articulated the intricacies of the Ghana Card, shedding light on the impressive capabilities embedded within this modern identification document.
At the core of this revelation is the Ghana Card’s e-passport, a cutting-edge feature that holds all the pertinent information found on the paper passport’s biodata page. This encompasses critical data such as the passport holder’s name, date of birth, and other essential biographic details.
However, the e-passport extends far beyond mere data replication. It encompasses a sophisticated electronic chip housing a collection of read-only files equipped with advanced cryptographic mechanisms. These mechanisms serve as formidable guardians of both the document’s security and the passport holder’s privacy.
Moses Baiden elucidated on this, stating, “The biographic and biometric data contained in the electronic chip on the Ghana Card can therefore be compared to both the traveler and the travel document (paper passport) being presented respectively.” He further emphasized the multiple layers of security meticulously woven into the e-passport, effectively thwarting any attempts at duplication or counterfeiting.
The assertion that the Ghana Card encompasses an e-passport capable of facilitating both domestic and international travel initially surfaced when Ghana’s Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, made the claim. This declaration sparked public discourse, with questions arising regarding the card’s acceptance as a valid travel document in foreign countries and its alignment with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
ICAO eventually weighed in, affirming that the Ghana Card adheres to its e-passport standards. However, the ball was in Ghana’s court to ensure practical implementation for international travel, including securing approvals from foreign missions and governments.
Expanding on the e-passport’s features, Moses Baiden underlined its alignment with the highest ICAO international standards, aligning Ghana with the most technologically advanced nations. The e-passport encompasses three distinct profiles within its chip.
First, it incorporates the ICAO Document 9303 Passport Profile, effectively rendering it a machine-readable travel document. Secondly, it boasts an electronic ID (e-ID) Profile, facilitating seamless interaction with digital platforms, thereby empowering authenticated users to engage in e-government or e-commerce transactions securely.
Lastly, the Ghana Card incorporates a Match On Card (MOC) Profile, enabling secure connections to various digital applications. This feature stands as a testament to the card’s versatility, addressing specific needs dictated by technological capabilities, legal requirements, and trust factors inherent to distinct situations.
In an age where secure identification is paramount, the Ghana Card, with its comprehensive and cutting-edge features, serves as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to technological progress and international standards compliance. The multifunctional Ghana Card not only reflects the nation’s advancement but also paves the way for enhanced security, convenience, and efficiency in various contexts.
