The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced new fees and charges for Ghana Card registration and related services, following parliamentary approval of amended regulations.
In a press release issued on January 26, 2026, the Authority said the revised fees take effect from Monday, February 2, 2026, in line with the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2512), which was passed by Parliament in November 2025 under the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2022 (Act 1080).
According to the NIA, Act 1080 requires public institutions to periodically review fees to reflect prevailing economic and operational conditions. The last review of NIA fees was proposed in 2022 and approved in 2023, based on cost assumptions at the time.
The Authority noted that it has operated under the 2023 fee structure for more than two years despite rising operational costs.
The NIA explained that although exchange rate conditions have stabilised, key cost drivers of the National Identification System—such as technology licensing, cybersecurity services, utilities, logistics and personnel—remain high and largely irreversible. It added that the Ghana Card has become critical national infrastructure, requiring periodic and modest fee realignment to ensure long-term sustainability.
Under the revised structure, first-time registration at NIA district offices remains free for persons below 25 years, while applicants aged 25 years and above will pay GH¢30. Card replacement, nationality updates and record updates with card replacement at district offices will attract a fee of GH¢200, while card renewal will cost GH¢150. Record updates without card replacement will remain free.
Card transfer services, excluding courier costs, will cost GH¢75.
For foreigners under the Foreigner Identification Management System (FIMS), first-time registration will cost the cedi equivalent of US$120, while annual card renewal will be pegged at the cedi equivalent of US$78. Multiple-year renewals will attract a minimum charge equivalent to US$75 per annum.
The NIA also announced revised charges for premium registration services. First-time registration at premium centres will cost GH¢410, while card replacement will attract GH¢520.
Record updates with card replacement, nationality updates and card renewal at premium centres will each cost GH¢410. Record updates without card replacement at premium centres will cost GH¢165.
The Authority assured the public that the new fees will be applied transparently and responsibly, stressing that the adjustments are aimed at strengthening the national identity system to support governance, service delivery, financial inclusion and national development.
A full list of the revised fees is available on the NIA’s official website.
The statement was signed by Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, Head of the Corporate Affairs Directorate of the NIA.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
