Identity and transaction technology solutions company Entrust Datacard has agreed to team up with the government of Ghana this week. Through a partnership with Identity Management Systems, a subsidiary of Margins Group, Entrust will help the Ghana government issue national identity cards to its citizens in real time.

The new GhanaCard meets all international requirements, including chip-embedded technology and biometric capabilities. Starting this month, the government will begin issuing the ID to 16 million citizens.

The distribution of the cards relies on Entrust Datacard’s instant issuance technology. The real-time issuance of the cards saves Ghanian citizens from having to pick up their ID in person. Furthermore, it saves the government from the administrative hassle of dealing with cards that were never picked up.

“Identity Management Systems designed a custom solution that fits Ghana’s economic and social needs, utilizing Entrust Datacard printers,” said Xavier Coemelck, regional VP for Entrust Datacard EMEA. “Entrust Datacard technologies will enable the government of Ghana to improve service to its citizens and help ensure secure access to rights and services. This project demonstrates our ability to customize our solutions to fit all customer requirements.”

Entrust Datacard was founded in 1969 and presented at FinDEVr Silicon Valley 2016. Jason Soroko, Security Technologies Manager, and Matt Rose, Technical Sales Consultant, spoke to the audience of developers on Safeguarding Your Banking Applications. Headquartered in Shakopee, Minnesota, Entrust Datacard has 2,000 colleagues working around the globe to serve customers in 150 countries.