Image credit: INTERPOL
Ghana card, passport, and Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) have been ranked among the top 10 most attacked ID documents across Africa according to a report by Smile ID, a prominent African identity verification service.
These documents are critical identity documents that play roles in Ghana’s socio-economic and administrative systems.
The Ghana card is the primary national identity needed to access essential services. A passport is a proof of citizenship globally recognized and SSNIT ID is what identifies pensioners.
Ghana card was ranked 10th, Passport 8th, and SSNIT ID 6th. South Africa’s Green Book was the most attacked with a 34% attempted fraud rate.
The SSNIT ID, with a fraud rate of 20%, is the most attacked ID document in Ghana. The passport ID is second with a fraud rate of 19% followed by the Ghana card, 16%.
Surge in Document Fraud in Africa
According to the Digital Identity Fraud Africa report, “an overwhelming number of fraud attacks were directed at National ID cards, which accounted for 80% of all document fraud attacks.” the report reads.
The surge in document fraud in Africa is attributed to:
- Mandatory ownership: The national ID is the most common form of Government identification on the continent and is mandatory for most adults, making them a prime target for fraud.
- Implementation of new ID systems and improper handling of old IDs: Many African countries are introducing new national ID systems, which increases the risk of document fraud during the transition. An excellent example is the older Green ID card in South Africa became a notable target for fraud due to improper handling during the transition to newer IDs.
Also read: 2024 Identity Fraud Trends: Insights from Africa and Beyond
Impact of Attacks on Ghanaian Documents
- Financial loss and Identity theft: Threats such as unauthorized transactions and access to financial credentials may lead to economic losses to individuals and organizations. According to the Bank of Ghana report, fraud cases surged in 2023 leading to a total loss of approximately GH¢88 million.
- Denial of access to essential services: The Ghana card, for instance, is vital for accessing critical services in the country and when they become compromised, access to such critical services as health care may be blocked.
- Erosion of public trust: Increased threats on national documents can make people doubt the confidentiality of government systems eventually weakening public confidence.
Steps for citizens to protect their documents
- Avoid sharing sensitive information: Do not share any details or a picture of your national document with unauthorized persons or organizations. If there’s the need to, always verify before you share.
- Keep documents secure: Do your possible best to secure your national ID in a safe place to prevent theft or accidental loss.
- Report lost or stolen document: In an unfortunate event where a card may be lost, reach out to appropriate authorities to block usage. This will prevent fraudulent activities with your lost ID card.
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