The National Identification Authority (NIA) has introduced a revised pricing structure for Ghana Card services, effective February 2, 2026. Under the new arrangement, adults aged 25 years and above will pay GH¢30 for initial registration, while the cost of replacing a lost or damaged card at NIA district offices has been fixed at GH¢200.

In a press release dated Monday, January 26, the Authority said the adjustments follow parliamentary endorsement of amendments to the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations, consistent with government efforts to periodically update fees for public services.

This is the first adjustment to Ghana Card charges since 2023. The NIA noted that operational expenses—including software licensing, cybersecurity systems, and transportation—have remained high, making a review unavoidable under the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2022 (Act 1080).

The Authority explained that the revised pricing is meant to better match the real cost of delivering identity management services and to safeguard the long-term viability of the national identification programme.

According to the statement, the changes are designed to strengthen service efficiency while ensuring the continued upkeep of Ghana’s national identity infrastructure.

Under the updated fee regime, first-time registration for Ghanaian adults will cost GH¢30, while replacing an existing Ghana Card will attract a GH¢200 charge. Additional services, such as corrections or updates to personal records, will also be subject to approved fees.

Summary of Selected Charges

Ghana Card Replacement: GH¢200

Card Renewal: GH¢150

First-Time Registration (25 years and above): GH¢30

First-Time Registration (below 25 years): No charge

Card Transfer Services: GH¢75

For non-Ghanaians, charges remain pegged to the US dollar. Initial registration will cost the cedi equivalent of $120, while yearly renewal has been set at $78.

The NIA clarified that free registration for children and other exempt groups will continue under existing government policy, reaffirming its commitment to broad and equitable access to national identification services.

The Ghana Card remains a vital official document, required for accessing public services, opening bank accounts, SIM card registration, and participation in various state programmes. Since its introduction, it has played a central role in Ghana’s digital transformation and public sector modernisation efforts.

The announcement coincides with intensified measures by the Authority to clamp down on unauthorised registration practices and strengthen safeguards around the national identity database.

The NIA has advised the public to familiarise themselves with the new charges and to transact only through authorised payment channels at official registration centres, warning against the use of unauthorised intermediaries.