Accra: The Births and Deaths Registry (BDR), in collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy, Royal Embassy of the Netherlands, and the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has conducted a one-day capacity-building session for district registrars in the Volta Region. This training focused on document fraud and identity awareness, marking a significant first in Ghana aimed at bolstering the skills necessary for detecting fraudulent documents used to unlawfully obtain identity cards and certifications.
According to Ghana News Agency, the training held in Ho on April 22 was inaugurated by Mr. Samuel Adom Botchway, Acting National Registrar of the BDR. He underscored the essential role of the registry in maintaining the integrity of national identity systems. Mr. Botchway emphasized that the ability to identify document fraud directly affects the credibility of vital identification records such as birth and death certificates, passports, and the Ghana Card. As Ghana moves towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16.9, which focuses on providing legal identity for all by 2030, it is crucial that BDR officers are equipped to verify documents effectively.
Mr. Botchway further highlighted that recognizing genuine security features should no longer be confined to specialists but should be an indispensable skill for every registrar. This is critical for national security, data system integrity, and public trust in BDR services.
Mr. Rodrigue Nzoyibuka, Counsellor for Justice and Migration Affairs at the Norwegian Embassy, remarked that their partnership with the BDR underscores the strategic significance of identity management for both national and international security. He pointed out that the Volta Region’s proximity to international borders makes it a key area for strengthening identity systems, which plays a vital role in combating cross-border crime and document fraud. He also stressed the importance of collaboration between BDR and international bodies to address issues related to fraudulently acquired documents.
Ms. Isabelle Suply, Immigration Liaison Officer at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, led a practical session on document assessment techniques. She noted that while identifying sophisticated forgeries requires years of experience, the training aimed to equip registrars with simple tools to identify red flags without advanced equipment. Ms. Suply highlighted that most fraud arises from individuals using fraudulently acquired identities, such as altering birth dates for visa advantages. She urged BDR officers to consider the serious implications of issuing documents based on false information.
The Volta Regional Registrar, Christopher Tsemiyoh Ayertey, expressed appreciation for the training, considering it a strategic step against document fraud, especially given the region’s proximity to the Republic of Togo and other Ghanaian regions. He stressed the importance of equipping officers to detect discrepancies and question suspicious information, as some certificates may appear legitimate but contain false data. Strengthening document verification at the local level is expected to protect Ghana’s identity ecosystem while preventing crime, migration fraud, and insurgency.
The BDR plans to expand this initiative across other regions as part of a larger campaign to promote genuine documentation, national security, and accurate population data management.