NIA says Labone Prestige Centre is optional, district offices remain operational

The National Identification Authority (NIA) has clarified that its new 24-hour Prestige Centre in Labone is not mandatory and does not replace the existing district offices spread across Ghana. The Prestige Centre, which began operating on August 1, 2026, offers an optional extra option for individuals looking for more convenience, flexibility, and quicker access to Ghana Card services.

Operated around the clock, seven days a week, including weekends, the facility still does not make premium or prestige services compulsory for the public. The NIA emphasized that its 276 district offices remain fully functional, continuing to provide Ghana Card registration and other related services. For first-time registrations, individuals under 25 years old can register for free, while those aged 25 and above must pay a GH¢30 processing fee.

The Authority stated that the Prestige Centre was introduced as a supplementary, fee-based service to enhance the service network, rather than entirely replace it. The NIA urged the public to differentiate between fees charged at regular district offices and those for premium and prestige services. The revised Ghana Card fees were approved by Parliament and were not introduced unilaterally.