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NIA clarifies Ghana card fees, says prestige centre is optional

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The National Identification Authority (NIA) has clarified that the revised fees for Ghana Card services were approved by Parliament and were not introduced or increased by the Authority on its own.

The NIA, in a press release issued on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, explained that the current fees were approved 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).

According to the Authority, the revised fees took effect on February 2, 2026.

It further assured the public that its 276 district offices across the country remain operational and continue to provide Ghana Card registration and related services.

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The NIA stated that first-time registration remains free for persons below 25 years at its district offices, while those aged 25 years and above are required to pay a GH¢30 processing fee.

It added that card replacement costs GH¢200, while updating records only remains free. Other charges apply to services such as card renewal and nationality updates.

The Authority also clarified that the newly introduced 24-hour Prestige Centre at Labone is an optional service and has not replaced the regular NIA offices.

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

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The NIA explained that the centre provides faster and more convenient access to its services for people who choose the premium service.

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

The Authority has appealed to media organisations, commentators and the public to verify information about Ghana Card fees and services before publishing or sharing it.

It said accurate information is important because misinformation about national identity services could create unnecessary confusion and concern.

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The NIA encouraged the public to contact its offices or visit its official website for accurate information on Ghana Card registration, fees and other services.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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Sammy Gyamfi debunks Afenyo-Markin’s GoldBod loss claims

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GoldBod Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, has defended the performance of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) following criticism of its operations and management.

Speaking at tthe Government Accountability Series today at the Jubilee House, he said, no where is GoldBod accused for Bank of Ghana’s losses.

He therefore challenged the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin to point to where IMF attributed losses incurred by Bank of Ghana to GoldBod.

“I challenge Afenyo-Markin to point to any page, paragraph, sentence, phrase or punctuation mark in the said referenced report that the IMF accused the GoldBod of having caused the losses reported to have been incurred by the Bank of Ghana,” Sammy Gyamfi strongly stated.

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He highlighted the achievements of the board, particularly its role in gold purchases, local refining and efforts to increase value addition in Ghana’s gold industry.

Mr Gyamfi said GoldBod had purchased and refined more than nine metric tonnes of gold in Ghana this year, describing the development as a major change in the country’s approach to gold value addition.

He contrasted the current situation with the previous administration, claiming that during that period, no gold produced in Ghana was refined locally.

“Not a gram of gold produced in Ghana was refined in Ghana. Today, over nine metric tonnes, just this year, of gold we have bought, refined in Ghana. We are changing the value addition story,” he said.

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Mr Gyamfi defended the board against criticisms from the Minority that it had made losses, describing some of the comments as reckless and lacking proper research.

He argued that the current Minority leadership should be measured against the standards set by former occupants of the position, including J.H. Mensah, Papa Owusu-Ankomah and Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.

According to him, the former Minority leaders commanded respect in Parliament because of the depth of their contributions and their ability to engage issues with substance.

Mr Gyamfi referenced Ghana’s gold exports under the previous administration, claiming that about 170 tonnes of gold were exported through formal channels and generated more than $17 billion in one and a half years.

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He questioned why those responsible for institutions that recorded significant losses during their tenure were criticising GoldBod’s current operations.

He further dismissed suggestions that he was intimidated by political attacks, noting that politics was a “contact sport” and those involved should be prepared to face criticism.

Mr Gyamfi maintained that he was working in the interest of Ghana and expressed confidence that the board’s record would ultimately speak for itself.

“We are serving Ghana in good conscience, and our record and posterity will speak for us,” he said.

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By: Jacob Aggrey

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Wontumi’s bail application adjourned to October 15

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The bail application filed by lawyers for Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been adjourned to October 15, 2026.

The adjournment followed the failure of Chairman Wontumi and his lawyers to appear before the court when the matter was called.

Deputy Attorney General, Justice Srem-Sai, was present in court.

The application for bail was filed by Chairman Wontumi’s legal team after he became involved in a criminal case before the court.

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His lawyers are seeking his release on bail while the case continues.

The court, however, could not proceed with the bail application because neither Chairman Wontumi nor members of his legal team were present.

The development also comes at a time when lawyers are on their annual legal vacation, a period during which the normal activities of the courts and legal practitioners are reduced, although urgent matters may still be heard.

The court has therefore adjourned the bail application to October 15, when the matter is expected to come before it again.

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Chairman Wontumi remains subject to the court’s orders pending the determination of the bail application.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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