NIA debunks reports of unilateral increase in Ghana Card fees

The National Identification Authority (NIA) has rejected reports suggesting that it has recently introduced or unilaterally increased fees for Ghana Card registration and related services.

In a statement on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the Authority said the reports were misleading and did not accurately reflect the approved fee regime or the legal basis for the charges.

“The NIA wishes to clarify, respectfully but unequivocally, that such reports are misleading and do not accurately reflect the applicable fee regime or the legal basis for the charges.”

The NIA explained that the revised fees were approved by Parliament under the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2512), pursuant to the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2022 (Act 1080).

According to the Authority, the revised fees took effect on February 2, 2026, and were therefore not introduced unilaterally by the NIA.

“The NIA is implementing a fee regime that has gone through the requisite statutory and parliamentary approval process.”

The Authority also assured the public that its 276 district offices remain operational across the country and continue to provide Ghana Card registration and related services.

At the district offices, first-time registration remains free for persons below 25 years, while applicants aged 25 years and above are required to pay a GH¢30 processing fee. Card replacement costs GH¢200, while record updates remain free.

The NIA further clarified that the introduction of its 24-hour Prestige Centre does not mean that regular registration centres have been closed or replaced.

“The Prestige Centre is an optional, fee-based superior service introduced to provide greater convenience, flexibility and faster access to NIA services.”

The first Prestige Centre, located at Labone, began operations on August 1, 2026, and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends.

The Authority stressed that members of the public are not required to use the Prestige Centre and may continue to access applicable Ghana Card services at any of its regular district offices.

“The introduction of the Prestige Centre therefore does not make the use of a Prestige Centre compulsory.”

The Authority said it remains committed to transparency, accountability and providing accessible identity services to the public.