The National Identification Authority (NIA) of Ghana, under its newly appointed Chairman, Moses Afetsi Positive, has lauded the instrumental role of Margins ID Group, and its subsidiary, Intelligent Card Production Systems (ICPS), in establishing Ghana’s robust National Identification System. Mr. Positive commended the company’s expertise in conceptualizing, designing, and producing the Ghana Card, highlighting its contribution to national development and governance. He emphasized that Margins ID Group’s performance showcases Ghana’s capacity to adhere to international standards. While acknowledging the significance of the company’s various ISO certifications, which demonstrate a commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability, Mr. Positive also cautioned about the potential for unethical human conduct by NIA staff, emphasizing the need for a strong ethical framework alongside technological safeguards. He stressed the importance of combining robust technological systems with ethical human behavior to ensure the integrity and security of the national identification system.
The NIA Board and Margins ID Group held a strategic stakeholder engagement to review the Ghana Card project and map out strategies for the long-term viability of Ghana’s digital identity ecosystem. This meeting represented one of the first official engagements for the newly inaugurated Board, signaling a renewed commitment to solidify the Ghana Card project as the core of service delivery, economic activities, and governance within the country. This engagement follows prior internal deliberations between the two entities, marking a formal step towards strengthening their collaborative partnership. Margins ID Group, through ICPS, reiterated its dedication to providing secure, scalable, and innovative identity solutions aligned with Ghana’s developmental trajectory. This collaborative approach aims to ensure the continued success and evolution of the Ghana Card as a vital tool for national development.
During the engagement, the NIA Board conducted a comprehensive tour of Margins ID Group’s headquarters and the ICPS facility in Accra. This facility represents the largest secure card production operation in Sub-Saharan Africa, boasting stringent compliance frameworks and robust security protocols designed to protect the integrity of Ghana’s national identification system. The tour, led by Margins ID Group CEO Moses Baiden and the Group’s Executive Directors, provided the NIA Board with direct insight into the entire Ghana Card production process, spanning from software development to card issuance. This firsthand observation allowed the Board members to appreciate the complexities and security measures embedded within the card production process. They were also briefed on the international certifications and cybersecurity standards that govern the facility’s operations, further emphasizing the commitment to quality and security.
Mr. Baiden, CEO of Margins ID Group, elucidated the advanced security features integrated into the Ghana Card production process, highlighting the self-auditing capabilities of the specifically designed printers. These features ensure accountability by tracking the journey of each card and identifying the issuing officer. This traceability not only enhances transparency but also significantly mitigates the risk of fraud. The ability to track every Ghana Card from its production to its distribution reinforces the system’s security and builds public trust. This built-in accountability mechanism contributes to the integrity and reliability of the Ghana Card system.
ICPS has secured a range of international certifications, including ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management, PCI CP (Payment Card Industry Card Production & Provisioning), and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 for Information Security Management Systems. These certifications underscore the company’s commitment to maintaining rigorous international standards. Margins ID Group has also attained several global accreditations, including ISO/IEC 27001:2022, ISO 22301:2019, ISO 20000:2018, as well as Cybersecurity Establishment and Cybersecurity Service Provider certifications. These accomplishments solidify the company’s position as a global leader in secure identity solutions and highlight its dedication to upholding industry best practices.
For over a decade, Margins ID Group has partnered with the NIA to register Ghanaian citizens, both domestically and abroad, as well as foreign nationals residing in the country for more than three months. This enduring partnership has elevated the Ghana Card to an essential requirement for various services, including banking, telecommunications, healthcare, and access to government services, deeply integrating it within Ghana’s digital economy. Beyond ICPS, Margins ID Group operates other subsidiaries, including Margins ID Systems Applications (MIDSA), Identity Management Systems (IMS), and Identity Management Systems II. These subsidiaries contribute expertise in biometric software development, identity management, and secure card production, further strengthening the overall capabilities of the group and contributing to the success of the Ghana Card project. This multifaceted approach ensures a comprehensive and secure national identification system. The strengthened collaboration between the NIA and Margins ID Group aims to solidify the Ghana Card’s position as the cornerstone of Ghana’s digital future. As the foundation for essential services and a key enabler of e-governance, the Ghana Card’s continued development and secure implementation are crucial for Ghana’s ongoing digital and economic transformation.
