In a groundbreaking move, Government has launched the issuance of National Identification numbers (Ghana-Card numbers) to newborns, achieving a successful integration of vital databases.

Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia made the momentous announcement during the 75th Anniversary of the Ghana National College in Cape Coast.

The first Ghana-Card number was issued to a newborn baby after a successful test-run on July 21, 2023.

This transformative initiative ensures that all babies born in Ghana will receive their Ghana-Card numbers and Birth Certificate Identification numbers simultaneously during their visit to Weigh-In facilities, providing lifelong identification from birth.

“The work of integrating the databases has been completed, the full test was done yesterday, and I am happy to say that the first Ghana-Card number for a baby was issued yesterday.

“So, from next month, all babies born in Ghana, once they take them to Weigh-In, they will be issued the Ghana-Card numbers and also get their Birth Certificate Identification numbers at the same time, because the two databases are talking to each other.”

“This is very transformational,” Dr Bawumia said, explaining that they will have these numbers from the time they are babies till they pass away.

The National Identification Authority (NIA) plans to issue cards with biometrics and other data when the children are older and their features are fully formed.

Vice President Bawumia highlighted that this ID issuance at birth plays a crucial role in the government's digitalization agenda, positioning Ghana to actively participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Furthermore, during his address, Vice President Bawumia encouraged educational institutions to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a means to improve teaching, problem-solving, and critical thinking. He emphasized the potential of AI to bridge the gap between developed and developing nations, urging the integration of AI into innovative teaching strategies.

The Ghana Card is increasingly becoming the primary source of identity, serving various purposes such as Social Security, Health Insurance, and Tax Identification numbers. With the government's commitment to staying abreast of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, this initiative marks a significant step towards a digitally empowered and AI-driven future for Ghana's education and society at large.