The Ghana Police Service, in collaboration with the Private Security Operations Board, has issued new directives for background screening of all private security personnel. The rules take effect January 15, 2026.
Key Changes
Mandatory Fingerprinting: Every guard deployed by a licensed PSO must submit fingerprints to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) database before assignment.
Renewed Background Checks: Previously a one-time check at hiring. Now required every 24 months.
Digital ID Cards: All guards must carry a GPSOB-issued smart card with photo, biometric data, and expiry date. Guards without these cards cannot legally work.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Businesses hiring unlicensed guards or companies failing to screen personnel face fines between GHS 12,000 and GHS 60,000, and possible closure orders.
How We Can Help
We handle the full background screening process for our guards — and we can also screen your in-house security staff if you manage your own team. Contact us for volume pricing on pre-employment vetting.
Source: GPSOB Circular No. 2025/14, October 2025