Grace Ashiru
The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced that starting May 1, new fee adjustments will be implemented for Ghanaians obtaining national identification cards (Ghana Cards) for the first time, those needing replacement cards, and individuals updating their personal details.
Citizens are encouraged to take note of these changes and prepare accordingly for any new registrations, card replacements, or updates to personal information.
However, the fee increase will not apply to those registering for the first time at NIA District Offices, which will continue to be free of charge. Additionally, updates to records that do not require a card replacement will remain free at NIA Regional and District offices, within the ECOWAS Sub-Region, other African nations, and countries outside Africa.
Some adjustments have been made to key fees, including a new charge of GH₵310 ($23.01) for first-time registration at NIA Premium Centres and GH₵420 ($31.17) for card replacements at the same locations.
Additionally, Ghanaians in the ECOWAS sub-region will now incur a charge equivalent to $55 for first-time registrations, while those needing to update records and replace their cards will pay the cedi equivalent of $27.5.
Nationality updates at NIA regional and district offices are now priced at GH₵70 ($5.20). At Premium Centres, the fee for the same service has been set at GH₵365 ($27.09).
In April 2024, the (NCA) of Ghana issued a directive to over 11 million active SIM card users within the nation, mandating them to register their SIM cards by the end of May 2023. Failure to comply will result in the deactivation of these SIM cards. As part of this registration process, all Ghanaians are required to link their SIM cards with their Ghana Card.
Similarly, Uganda is also making updates to its national identification systems. In February 2024, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) of Uganda announced its intention to incorporate iris biometrics into its national IDs to increase security measures.
