The National Identification Authority (NIA) has clarified that the revised fees for Ghana Card registration and related services were not introduced unilaterally by the Authority but were approved by Parliament.
The clarification follows reports and public commentary suggesting that the NIA had recently introduced or increased fees for Ghana Card services.
According to the NIA, the revised 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).
The new fees took effect on February 2, 2026.
The Head of the NIA’s Corporate Affairs Directorate, Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, said the Authority was only implementing a fee regime that had gone through the required statutory and parliamentary approval process.
“The revised fees currently applicable to NIA services were approved by Parliament under the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2512),” the NIA said.
The Authority has also assured the public that its 276 district offices nationwide remain fully operational and continue to provide Ghana Card registration and related services.
Under the approved fee structure, first-time Ghana Card registration remains free for persons below 25 years, while applicants aged 25 years and above pay a GH¢30 processing fee.
The NIA said card replacement costs GH¢200, while record updates remain free.
It stressed that these charges should not be confused with fees applicable to its premium and prestige service centres.
The NIA further explained that the newly introduced 24-hour Prestige Centre at Labone is an optional service and does not replace the Authority’s regular district offices.
The first Prestige Centre began operations on August 1, 2026, and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends.
The Authority described the facility as a “fee-based superior service” designed to provide greater convenience, flexibility and faster access to Ghana Card services.
“The introduction of the Prestige Centre therefore does not make the use of a Prestige Centre compulsory,” the NIA clarified.
It said members of the public could continue to access applicable Ghana Card services at regular NIA district offices without being required to use a Prestige Centre.
The premium and prestige services, it added, are intended for individuals who specifically want the additional convenience and service experience.
NIA urges public to verify claims
The Authority has appealed to media organisations, commentators and the public to verify information concerning Ghana Card fees and services before publishing or broadcasting such claims.
“Accurate information is particularly important on matters relating to national identity, as misinformation can unnecessarily create confusion and concern among the public,” the NIA said.
The NIA said it remains committed to transparency, accountability and providing accessible identity services to the public.
It has encouraged members of the public seeking information on Ghana Card registration, fees and related services to contact its offices or use its official channels for clarification.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com
