The newly appointed Director General of the National Identification Authority (NIA), Yayra Koku, has faced heavy criticism from some Ghanaians for what they describe as his lack of understanding of the value and functions of the Ghana Card.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, Yayra Koku boldly announced his plans to link the Ghana Card to mobile money and bank accounts.

He also expressed his intention to turn the Ghana Card into a driver’s license and facilitate easier passport applications using the card.

However, shortly after making the post, many Ghanaians flooded the comments section, pointing out what they called his ignorance regarding the existing functions of the Ghana Card.

The chip-embedded Ghana Card, which captures the biometric details of holders, has already been linked to bank and mobile money accounts, as well as the databases of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), making Ghana Card numbers also serve as Tax Identification Numbers (TINs).

Additionally, the Ghana Card has been integrated with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) for payroll control, and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).

Respondents wasted no time in reminding Yayra Koku of the extensive work spearheaded by former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who led the integration of the Ghana Card into Ghana’s financial and national identity systems.

"Dr. Bawumia has done it already. It seems like you are a foreigner in Ghana. Every Ghanaian with a Ghana Card has long been linked to their MoMo and bank account. Anyone who goes to the bank to withdraw or deposit money cannot do so without the Ghana Card," wrote Eunice Debrah in a direct response to the new NIA CEO.

Many other commenters echoed Eunice Debrah’s sentiments, expressing shock that the new CEO appeared unaware of the current status and functions of the Ghana Card.

Some sarcastically remarked that Yayra Koku and his party, the NDC, were so preoccupied with attacking Dr. Bawumia and discrediting the Ghana Card that they failed to keep up with its developments.

There’s no need to imagine it…
Bawumia started this. It’s very much a reality. Just go ahead and do it.

We don’t have time to imagine anything

— Mr Armstrong Utd (@MrStrong_Utd) February 7, 2025

All these were the purpose of the Ghana Card in the first place? @MBawumia championed this long ago. So what's new are you bringing on board?

— Richmond St. Mortty (@RichmondMortty1) February 6, 2025

Aol these are Dr Bawumia's ideas.. In fact,ssnit,nhis etc have already been incorporated.

— Just Lexis (@Kinglexis1983) February 6, 2025

I see a lot of Bawumia’s influence in this, but that’s okay. What matters most is you’re taking steps to do what’s right for all of us. I wish you well and hope it doesn’t end up being ‘easier said than done.

— KofiOwusuAkoto (@KofiOwusuAkoto) February 6, 2025

It’s sad you don’t Know the Ghana Card has already been linked to MoMo and Bank Accounts. Bawumia will always win 😂😂

— _Ameyaw (@its_Ameyaw_) February 7, 2025