NIA Announces New Ghana Card Fees Effective February 2, 2026

News

Jan 26

Accra, Ghana- The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced new fees for Ghana Card services after parliamentary approval. In a press release dated January 26, 2026, the Authority said the new charges will take effect from Monday, February 2, 2026, in line with the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2512), passed by Parliament in November 2025.

According to the NIA, the review is necessary due to rising operational costs, including technology licensing, cybersecurity, utilities, logistics, and personnel expenses. The Authority explained that the last fee adjustment was approved in 2023 based on 2022 cost assumptions, and it has since absorbed higher costs without corresponding increases in service charges.

“The Ghana Card has evolved into critical national infrastructure, and its long-term sustainability requires periodic and modest fee realignment,” the statement said. Under the new structure, first-time registration at NIA district offices remains free for persons below 25 years of age. However, first-time registration for persons aged 25 years and above will now cost GH¢30.

At district offices, other revised charges are: card replacement, nationality update, or record update with replacement, each costing GH¢200; card renewal costs GH¢150; and card transfer services cost GH¢75. Record update without card replacement is free. These apply only to district offices.

The NIA also announced separate fees for premium services at its Premium Centres. First-time registration at a Premium Centre will cost GH¢410, while card replacement and nationality update will cost GH¢520 each. Record update with replacement at a Premium Centre will also attract a fee of GH¢410. Record updates will only cost GH¢165 at Premium Centres.

For foreign nationals under the Foreign Identification Management System (FIMS), first-time registration will cost the cedi equivalent of USD120. Annual card renewal will cost USD78, while a multi-year renewal (minimum of 2 years) will cost USD75 per year. Card replacement will cost USD78, and nationality update will cost USD120. Record update with card replacement will cost USD70, while record update only remains free.

The NIA assured the public that the revised fees will be applied transparently and responsibly. “Every adjustment is aimed at strengthening the national identity system to support governance, service delivery, financial inclusion, and national development,” the Authority said.

The statement was signed by Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, Head of the Corporate Affairs Directorate of the National Identification Authority.

The NIA encouraged the public to promptly visit its official website, www.nia.gov.gh, to review the full list of fees and access important information to assist with registration or updates.