Effective Monday, February 2, 2026, the National Identification Authority (NIA) will implement its new charges for the issuance and updating of Ghana Cards.
In a statement, the NIA explained that the revised fees stem from regulations passed by Parliament in late 2025.
Under the new schedule, first-time registration at NIA district offices will remain free for applicants below 25 years, while those 25 years and above will pay GH¢30. Card replacement and nationality updates will cost GH¢200, while card renewal will attract a fee of GH¢150.
However, the Authority stated that record updates without card replacement remain free.
Meanwhile, premium services at NIA centres will range from GH¢165 for record updates to GH¢520 for card replacement. For foreign nationals, fees will be charged in the cedi equivalent of US dollars, including USD 120 for first-time registration and nationality updates, and USD 78 for annual card renewal.
The adjustment is in line with the Fees and Charges (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, which seek to align public service charges with current economic realities.
The Authority highlighted that the existing fees have remained unchanged for more than two years, having been set based on 2022 economic conditions.
It further noted that although exchange rates have been relatively stable, unavoidable expenses have made the revision necessary. These include rising costs of advanced technology and software licensing, increased spending on cybersecurity to protect citizens’ data, as well as higher logistics, utility, and personnel expenses.
The NIA stressed that the Ghana Card has become a vital national asset, and the modest fee adjustments are crucial to maintaining the system’s sustainability.
To ease the burden on young people, the Authority announced that first-time registration at any NIA District Office will remain free for individuals under 25 years of age.
The NIA explained that while exchange rate conditions have stabilised, operating costs, including technology licensing, cybersecurity services, utilities, logistics, and personnel, remain high and largely non-reversible.
