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The National Identification Authority (NIA) has cautioned the public to disregard videos circulating on social media about old Ghana Cards that were left to rot at the Sowotuom Office in Accra.

A press release signed by the Head of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Abudu Abdul-Ganiyu, and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Tema stated that the cards were 2D-Barcode cards printed between 2008 and 2014 but were not issued to Ghanaians.

It said the cards were kept in stores and the basement and had been audited by NIA Board of Survey and passed for destruction as they had outlived the 10-year life span and could not be used for any lawful purpose.

The NIA explained the cards that were stored in “Ghana-Must-Go” bags were moved from storage to create space pending their destruction as the NIA Headquarters building undergoes refurbishment adding that the cards were covered with a tarpaulin at the premises awaiting shredding but were removed by someone who made a video and shared online.

The statement stated that the 2D-Barcode cards were different from the current generation of multi-purpose, dual-interface, chip-embedded, biometric smart cards being issued by NIA since 2018.

The NIA assured the public that all printed but unissued ultra-modern smart cards meant for Ghanaians and eligible foreigners lawfully resident in Ghana were safe in NIA’s custody.

It said such cards were batched, boxed, and securely kept at NIA Headquarters in the respective 16 Regions and 276 District Offices and its Premium Registration Centers for issuance.

“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,” they stated.