How to acquire a Birth Certificate in Ghana

Introduction

The birth of every child in Ghana is to be registered in the district where the birth occurred. It is the duty of every parent  (father, mother or both) to register the birth of their  child/children(especially below the ages of 18 years). Previously, the birth certificate issued at birth  was used for most applications in Ghana, until the introduction of  the biometric certificate which rendered the old birth certificate(one issued at birth ) invalid. This means that even if you have the old birth certificate(issued at birth), you still need to apply for the current one (Biometric birth certificate). Individuals,18 years and above can apply in person by visiting the Birth and Death Registry in their district of birth.

Eligibility

• The individual must be born in Ghana and of Ghanaian parents (either one or both).
• Parents/guardians of a newly born baby can apply on behalf of the newly born
• Rescue centres taking charge of newly born abandoned babies.

Procedure for registering a Biometric Birth Certificate

The birth certificate is the first document showing proof of one’s citizenship, it is required of every citizen to possess one. If you still haven’t applied for your birth certificate yet, follow these steps to find out how I applied for my birth certificate.

1. Report to the nearest  birth and death Registry Office in  your  district.
2. Once you report to the office, you will be interviewed  by a Registration Assistant. Here, you will be made to complete a  Personal Information  and  Declaration Form.
3. You will then pay a processing  fee of GHS 100. NOTE, (amount is subject to change)
4. You will then be given a date to return for your birth certificate (four weeks or more).During this period your application goes through a series of checks to ensure  information provided is genuine.
5. Return on the given date for the collection of your certificate.

Documents to carry along for the application

• Clinical Weighing/Notification of birth card
• Baptismal Certificate
• Extract from Family Records Books

Information required for the application

• Applicant’s Name 
• Applicant’s Sex
• Father’s  Name
• Father’s Occupation 
• Father’s Nationality 
• Father’s Religion
• Mother’s Maiden Name( Name before marriage)
• Mother’s Nationality 
• Applicant’s Date of Birth
• Applicant’s Place of Birth ( Including hospital of birth)

Head Office of the Ghana Birth and Death Registries 

Birth & Death Registry (Head Office)

Address: 2nd Liberia Road

Ministries

Accra