The National Identification Authority (NIA) has clarified that first-time Ghana Card registration for persons below 25 years and record updates remain free, dismissing reports suggesting that the Authority has introduced new charges for the services.
The NIA said the applicable fees were approved by Parliament under the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2512) and took effect on February 2, 2026.
According to the Authority, its 276 district offices nationwide remain fully operational, providing Ghana Card registration and related services.
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.
The NIA also clarified that record update services remain free, while other transactions attract fees under the approved schedule.
In a statement issued by the Head of the Corporate Affairs Directorate of the NIA, Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas on Wednesday August 19, 2026, the Authority further stressed that members of the public are not bound to use its newly introduced Prestige Centre to access Ghana Card services.
The first 24-hour Prestige Centre, located at Labone, commenced operations on August 1, 2026, and operates seven days a week, including weekends.
The NIA described the Prestige Centre as an optional, fee-based premium service intended for customers seeking greater convenience, flexibility and faster access to services.
“The introduction of the Prestige Centre therefore does not make the use of a Prestige Centre compulsory,” the NIA said.
The Authority said members of the public can continue to access applicable Ghana Card services through regular district offices across the country.
It urged the public and media organisations to verify information on Ghana Card fees and services with the NIA before publishing or broadcasting claims.
The Head of the Corporate Affairs Directorate of the NIA, Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, said the Authority remains committed to transparency, accountability and accessible identity services.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
