The document that has become central to Ghanaian life is the Ghana Card, the biometric national identity card issued to citizens whether they live in Ghana or abroad. It proves identity, citizenship and residence, runs for ten years, and is increasingly the key to banking, tax and public services.
Quick facts
Birth, marriage and death records themselves are held by the registry in Ghana rather than by consulates, and a certificate ordered from there is what most files need.
Fees breakdown
| Service | Cost | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Ghana Card enrolment or renewal | Published tariff | National identification authority |
| Birth certificate | Charged in Ghana | Births and deaths registry |
| Marriage certificate | Charged in Ghana | Registrar |
| U.S. certificate and certification | $15–$50 plus fees | State office, then the chain |
| Name change by gazette | Charged in Ghana | Statutory declaration and publication |
Name changes in Ghana are made by statutory declaration and published in the official gazette, and it is the gazette publication that other authorities want to see.
How to file
- Identify which country holds the record you need.
- Order Ghanaian certificates from the registry in Ghana.
- Order U.S. certificates from the state office and put them through the certification chain.
- Enrol for or renew the Ghana Card if you do not hold one.
- Keep the gazette page for any name change.
- Store certified copies, since later procedures ask for them repeatedly.
Required documents
- Birth certificate, original.
- Old passport or other proof of Ghanaian citizenship.
- Voter identification or national identity card.
- Marriage certificate where a name changed.
- Gazette publication for a change of name.
- Proof of address abroad.
Where to file
With the registry in Ghana for certificates, and through the identification authority for the Ghana Card.
Additional notes
The card follows you abroad
Unusually, the Ghana Card is issued to non-resident citizens as well. For the diaspora it is worth obtaining even if you rarely travel there.
Older birth certificates
Certificates from decades ago are sometimes questioned. Re-registration is possible and worth doing before an urgent need arises.
The gazette matters
An affidavit alone does not establish a change of name for Ghanaian purposes. The publication does.
Keep several copies
Ordering documents from Ghana takes time. Order more than one while you are at it.