The National Identification Authority, NIA, says its attention has been drawn to a video in circulation on social media about some Ghana cards allegedly left to rot at its office in Sowutuom, Accra.
It says the cards with 2D-Barcode were printed between 2008 and 2014, but were never issued to Ghanaians and have been kept in stores and basement of the NIA Headquarters Building in Accra.
A statement signed by Acting Head of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Abudu Abdul-Ganiyu, said the cards have been audited by an NIA Board of Survey and passed for destruction as they have outlived their 10-year life span and not fit for any purpose.
It says the cards were moved from storage to create space pending their destruction as the NIA Headquarters Building undergoes refurbishment.
It says out of mischief, someone removed the tarpaulin cover as it awaits shredding and made a video which was shared on social media.
The statement explains the 2D-Barcode cards are different from the current generation of multi-purpose, dual-interface, chip-embedded, biometric smart cards being issued by NIA since 2018.
NIA assures the general public that all printed but unissued ultra-modern smart cards are safe in its custody.
It says as a data controller, NIA will continue to protect all personal records in its custody and ensure their safety, integrity and confidentiality at all times.
