Ghana’s National Identity Authority is set to raise its service fees. Ghanaian identity regulator is all set to hike its service fees. The agency in a public note that was released on April 22, 2024, revealed its plans to increase fees for some of its services.
Ghana’s National Identity Authority to Raise Service Fees
The Ghanaian identity regulator has announced a fee increment for various services related to the national identification card, known as the Ghana Card. This adjustment aligns with the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations, 2023 (L.I 2481), enacted by Parliament in February 2024.
Effective Date and Fee Adjustments
The fee increment is set to take effect from Wednesday, May 1, 2024. It will impact Ghanaians registering for Ghana Cards for the first time, individuals replacing cards, and those updating personal information.
Notably, first-time registration at NIA District Offices will remain free, while record updates without card replacements will also be free at specified locations.
Fee Changes Overview
Key fee increases include first-time registration at NIA Premium Centres, now priced at GHc310 ($23.01), and card replacement fees at Premium Centres, set at GHc420 ($31.17).
Ghanaians in the ECOWAS sub-region undergoing first-time registration will pay the equivalent of $55, while those seeking record updates with card replacement will pay $27.5.
National Communications Authority (NCA) Directive
In April 2024, the National Communications Authority (NCA) of Ghana issued a directive to over 11 million active SIM card users. Thus mandating registration of SIM cards by the end of May 2023 to avoid deactivation. This directive necessitates linking SIM cards to Ghana Cards for all citizens.
Regional Developments in Africa
Ghana’s announcement regarding national identity cards coincides with similar developments in other African nations. In February 2024, Uganda’s National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) revealed plans to enhance security by incorporating iris biometrics into its national ID.
What the Fee Increment for Ghana’s National Identification Card Services Means
The fee increment for Ghana’s national identification card services reflects regulatory changes aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability. Citizens are advised to acquaint themselves with the new fee structure and plan accordingly for any necessary registrations or updates.
Moreover, the directive regarding SIM card registration underscores the importance of linking SIM cards to national identity cards for regulatory compliance and security purposes.
Aims and Objectives of the NIA
The main aim and objective of Ghana’s National Identity Authority (NIA) is to establish and manage a national identity system that uniquely identifies individuals within the country. This system, typically facilitated through the issuance of national identification cards. And it aims to provide a secure and reliable means of verifying the identity of citizens and residents.
Specifically, the NIA seeks to:
- Ensure that every citizen and resident of Ghana has a unique and verifiable identity.
- Facilitate efficient and effective service delivery by government agencies and other organizations through reliable identity verification.
- Enhance national security by establishing a robust identity management infrastructure to combat identity fraud and related crimes.
- Promote inclusion and access to essential services by ensuring that all citizens have access to formal identification documents.
- Contribute to socio-economic development by providing a foundation for data-driven policymaking and planning.
Overall, the NIA plays a critical role in establishing and maintaining a comprehensive national identity management system that benefits both individuals and the nation as a whole.
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