Accra, Aug. 23, GNA – The National Identification Authority (NIA) has clarified that the revised fees for the Ghana Card registration and related services were approved by Parliament and not unilaterally introduced by the Authority.
The NIA said the fees were approved 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).
A statement signed by Mr Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, Head of Corporate Affairs, NIA, said the revised fee regime took effect on February 2, 2026, following the requisite statutory and parliamentary approval process.
It cited reports and public commentary suggesting that it had recently introduced or increased fees for the Ghana Card registration and related services.
The NIA described such reports as misleading, saying they did not accurately reflect the applicable fee regime or the legal basis for the charges.
It also assured the public that its 276 regular district offices remained operational nationwide and continued to provide Ghana Card registration and related services.
“At the district offices, first-time registration remains free for persons below 25 years, while persons aged 25 years and above are required to pay a GH¢30 processing fee,” it said.
The Authority said other approved charges included GH¢200 for card replacement, while record update only remains free.
It said the full approved fee schedule covered other services, including card renewal, nationality updates and related transactions.
The NIA urged the public to distinguish between the approved fees applicable to services at regular district offices and charges associated with its Premium and Prestige service offerings.
It clarified that the introduction of its 24-hour Prestige Centre did not replace or result in the closure of regular registration centres.
The first Prestige Centre, located at Labone in Accra, commenced operations on August 1, 2026, and operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends.
The centre, the NIA noted, was an optional, fee-based service intended to provide greater convenience, flexibility and faster access to NIA services.
“The introduction of the Prestige Centre, therefore, does not make the use of a Prestige Centre compulsory,” it said.
The public could continue to access applicable Ghana Card services at regular district offices, while the premium and prestige options were intended for persons who specifically desired the additional convenience and service experience, the Authority said.
The NIA said it recognised the public’s legitimate interest in understanding fees charged for public services and welcomed constructive questions and scrutiny.
It, however, urged media organisations, commentators and the public to verify claims concerning fees and services with the Authority or other authoritative sources before publishing or broadcasting them.
The Authority said accurate information was particularly important on matters relating to national identity because misinformation could create unnecessary confusion and concern.
The NIA encouraged the public to visit its official website, nia.gov.gh, or contact its Contact Centre on 0302 999306, 0302 999307 or 0302 999309 for further information and clarification.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Eric Appah Marfo