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

The Authority said the revised fees were approved by Parliament and have been in effect since February 2, 2026, stressing that they were not unilaterally introduced by the NIA.

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In a statement issued on August 19, 2026, it said, "The National Identification Authority (NIA) has taken note of reports and public commentary suggesting that the Authority has recently introduced or unilaterally increased fees for Ghana Card registration and related services.

“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.”

According to the Authority, the revised fees were approved by Parliament.

“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), pursuant to the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2022 (Act 1080)

“The revised fees took effect on 2 February 2026. They were therefore not fees unilaterally introduced by the NIA in 2026. The NIA is implementing a fee regime that has gone through the requisite statutory and parliamentary approval process,” it noted.

The NIA further assured the public that its 276 district offices remain operational and available nationwide to provide Ghana Card registration and related services.

“At the NIA district offices, first-time registration remains free for persons below 25 years, while persons aged 25 years and above pay GH¢30 processing fee.

“Other applicable charges include GH¢200 for card replacement, while record update only remains free,” it stated.

The Authority said the full approved schedule also covers other services, including card renewal, nationality updates and related transactions.

The NIA also clarified that the introduction of its 24-hour Prestige Centre should not be interpreted as the replacement or closure of its regular registration centres.

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

The NIA said the facility complements its existing registration centres and provides an additional option for members of the public who may wish to access services in a more convenient setting.

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

It explained that the premium and prestige options were intended for people who specifically desired the additional convenience and service experience they provided.

The Authority said it recognised the legitimate interest of the public in understanding fees charged for public services and welcomed constructive questions and scrutiny.

However, it urged the public and media to rely on the approved fee schedule and the actual operations of the Authority when discussing the matter.

“The NIA therefore appeals to media houses, commentators and members of the public to verify claims concerning NIA fees and services with the Authority or other authoritative sources before publishing or broadcasting them.

“Accurate information is particularly important on matters relating to national identity, as misinformation can unnecessarily create confusion and concern among the public,” it added.

The NIA encouraged the public to seek further information on Ghana Card registration, fees and related services by visiting its website or contacting its Contact Centre.

See the full statement below:



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