The National Identification Authority (NIA) has rejected claims that it recently introduced or unilaterally increased fees for Ghana Card registration and related services.

The Authority said the revised charges were approved by Parliament under the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2512), pursuant to the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2022 (Act 1080).

The revised fees took effect on February 2, 2026, and according to the NIA, were therefore not introduced solely by the Authority.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the NIA said all its 276 district offices remain operational and continue to provide Ghana Card registration and related services nationwide.

It said 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 Authority said other charges include GH¢200 for card replacement, while record updates remain free.

It noted that the approved fee schedule also covers services such as card renewal, nationality updates and other related transactions.

The NIA urged the public to distinguish between the approved charges at its regular district offices and fees for its Premium and Prestige service centres.

The Authority said the recently introduced 24-hour Prestige Centre at Labone is an optional service and does not replace the regular district offices.

The first Prestige Centre began operations on August 1, 2026, and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends.

According to the NIA, the centre is intended to provide additional convenience, flexibility and faster access to services for members of the public who choose to use it.

It stressed that members of the public are not required to use the Prestige Centre and can continue accessing applicable Ghana Card services at regular district offices.

The NIA said it welcomed public scrutiny of its fees and services but urged media organisations and the public to verify information with authoritative sources before publishing or broadcasting claims about its operations.

It warned that misinformation about national identity services could create unnecessary confusion and concern.

For further information, the Authority directed the public to its website or its Contact Centre on 0302 999 306, 0302 999 307 or 0302 999 309.

The NIA said it remains committed to transparency, accountability and accessible identity services.