Civil records registration means registering births, marriages and deaths that occurred in the United States with the Ghana authorities. Essential for citizens of Ghana living abroad whose family events happen in the U.S.
Ghana consulates processing civil records
What can be registered?
- Birth registration: children of Ghana parents born in the U.S. can be registered as Ghana nationals
- Marriage registration: marriages of Ghana citizens (or mixed marriages) celebrated in the U.S.
- Death registration: death of Ghana nationals in the U.S.
- Divorce registration: U.S. divorce decrees for those married in Ghana
Required documents
- Original U.S. vital record (birth/marriage/death certificate)
- Apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state
- Certified translation to the official language of Ghana
- Passport and ID of the Ghana citizens involved
- Application form completed
How to register
Most Ghana consulates require an appointment to file civil records. The consulate then forwards the registration to the Ghana civil registry office.
Some consulates accept mail-in applications for civil records. Check the official site of your consulate.
Costs and processing times
Registration fees: typically free or $10-$50 per record. Processing time at the consulate: 2-4 weeks; final registration in Ghana can take additional months.