The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced new fees for Ghana Card services, with first-time adult(below 25 years) registration set at GH¢30 and card replacement costing GH¢200 at the NIA District Office, effective February 2, 2026.

In a statement issued on Monday, January 26, the NIA said the revised charges follow parliamentary approval of amendments under the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations, in line with government policy to update public service fees.

This marks the first fee review since 2023. The NIA explained that key cost drivers such as technology licensing, cybersecurity services, and logistics have remained elevated, necessitating the update required by the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2022 (Act 1080).

According to the Authority, the adjustment is intended to reflect the actual cost of providing identity registration services while ensuring the sustainability of Ghana’s national identification system.

“The fees have been reviewed to support the efficient delivery of services and the long-term maintenance of the national identity infrastructure,” the NIA said in the statement.

Under the new structure, first-time registration for Ghanaian adults will cost GH¢30, while replacing a lost or damaged Ghana Card will attract a fee of GH¢200. Other services, including updates to personal information, will also attract approved charges under the new regime.

Breakdown of Key New Charges

• Card Replacement: GHC 200
• Card Renewal: GHC 150
• First-Time Registration (25 years & above): GHC 30
• First-Time Registration (below 25 years): Free
• Card Transfer Services: GHC 75

For foreign nationals, fees are dollar-pegged. First-time registration is set at the cedi equivalent of $120, while annual card renewal costs $78.

The NIA explained that first-time registration for children and other exempt categories will continue in line with existing government policy, stressing that the Authority remains committed to inclusive access to national identification.

The Ghana Card is a critical national document, serving as the primary means of identification for accessing public services, banking, SIM registration, and other government programmes. Since its rollout, the card has become central to Ghana’s digitalisation and public sector reform agenda.

The announcement comes at a time when the NIA is stepping up enforcement against illegal registration activities and tightening controls to protect the integrity of the national identity database.

The Authority urged the public to take note of the new fees and avoid unauthorised middlemen, emphasising that all payments must be made through approved channels at NIA registration centres nationwide.