Everything you need to know about Ghana Card (National Identification Card) photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Ghana |
| Document Type | National ID Card (Ghana Card) |
| Photo Size | 35 × 45 mm (1.37 × 1.77 inches) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Face Height | 32–36 mm from chin to crown of head (70–80% of photo) |
| Background Color | Plain white |
| Printable | Yes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper |
| Digital Photo Size | Minimum 600 × 600 pixels (recommended: 827 × 1063 pixels at 600 DPI) |
| Color | Color only (black and white not accepted) |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Quantity | 2 identical photos |
The Ghana Card is the national identity card issued by the National Identification Authority (NIA) to all Ghanaian citizens and legally resident foreign nationals. Below is a comprehensive guide to the photo requirements.
Dark glasses and sunglasses are not allowed. It is recommended to remove all eyeglasses before taking the photo.
Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Ghana Card photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera can take an ID card-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and set to highest resolution. Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo.

Stand facing a window with natural daylight. Avoid direct sunlight. Use multiple light sources to eliminate shadows.

Wear normal everyday clothing. Avoid white tops that blend with the background.

Stand about 1.5 meters in front of the camera. Head facing directly forward, shoulders relaxed, head level. Entire face visible and centered.

Neutral expression, both eyes open, mouth closed. No smiling or frowning. Look straight into the camera.

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable ID card photos
A Ghana Card photo must be exactly 35×45 mm (1.37×1.77 inches), the standard passport-size format. Your face must measure between 32 and 36 mm from chin to crown, covering 70–80% of the photo.
Yes. The National Identification Authority (NIA) typically captures your photograph on-site during Ghana Card registration. However, having a compliant passport-size photo ready can help with online pre-registration or other identification processes.
The background must be plain white with no patterns, shadows, or objects.
No. Dark glasses and sunglasses are not allowed. It is recommended to remove all eyeglasses before taking the photo.
Yes! Simply upload a smartphone photo to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all requirements.
No. You must maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed and both eyes open.
Yes. Ghana uses the same 35×45 mm passport-size photo standard for both the Ghana Card and passport applications. The requirements for background, expression, and pose are the same.
If your photo doesn't meet the requirements, your application will be delayed. Using PassportPhoto.help ensures your photo meets all official requirements before submission.