NIA to Launch 24-Hour Ghana Card Centres Next Week, Expanding Services Nationwide

The National Identification Authority (NIA) is set to transform access to Ghana Card services by rolling out 24-hour operations, addressing longstanding challenges faced by working Ghanaians and those needing urgent replacements. NIA Chief Executive Officer Wisdom Yayra Koku Deku announced the expansion, confirming that prestige centres offering round-the-clock services will launch next week as part of a broader modernisation strategy.

The initiative represents a significant shift in how the authority delivers its core services. Currently, most Ghanaians seeking to register for or replace their national identification cards must visit NIA offices during standard business hours, a constraint that has proven inconvenient for employed individuals and those with competing commitments.

Scaling Up to Meet Demand

The NIA has already expanded its physical footprint, establishing district offices across all 16 regions to bring services closer to Ghanaians. To support the new 24-hour operations, the authority has recruited approximately 120 additional staff members who will operate on a three-shift rotation system. This staffing model ensures continuous service delivery without compromising operational quality or employee welfare.

The prestige centres will remain open during weekends and public holidays, addressing a critical gap in the current system. Deku highlighted a practical example during his interview on Adom FM's Dwaso Nsem programme: a citizen who misplaced their Ghana Card on a weekend previously had no option but to wait until Monday to apply for a replacement, potentially affecting their work productivity and access to services that require valid identification.

Why It Matters for Ghana

This expansion has considerable implications for Ghana's digital infrastructure and citizen engagement. The Ghana Card serves as the primary national identification document and increasingly functions as a gateway to banking services, social welfare programmes, and government portals. By removing temporal barriers to access, the NIA is improving financial inclusion and reducing administrative friction for millions of Ghanaians.

The decision also reflects recognition of Ghana's working population's realities. Many citizens cannot afford to take time off work during business hours, and the expansion acknowledges this economic reality. For informal sector workers, traders, and others with flexible schedules, extended hours provide greater flexibility to complete essential documentation tasks without disrupting their livelihoods.

Additionally, the 24-hour service addresses emergency replacement scenarios more effectively. Citizens who lose or damage their cards no longer face extended periods without valid national identification, reducing downstream complications in accessing services that require proof of identity.

Implementation and Next Steps

While the prestige centres launching next week represent the immediate priority, the broader expansion of district offices across all regions indicates the NIA's commitment to decentralising services. This approach reduces travel burden, particularly for citizens in rural and remote areas who previously may have had to journey to regional capitals.

The timeline for full implementation remains to be confirmed, but the announcement of staff recruitment and system preparation suggests the NIA is moving ahead with concrete measures rather than mere announcements. The success of this initiative will depend on consistent service quality, staff readiness, and the public's awareness of the new availability.