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Get Birth Certificates in Ghana – Accra and Kumasi

Get Birth Certificates in Ghana - Accra and Kumasi

In Ghana, birth registration is administered by the Births and Deaths Registry under the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice. Registration is compulsory and must be completed within 12 months of birth — though early registration within the first weeks is strongly recommended. A Ghanaian birth certificate is the foundational document for obtaining a Ghana Card (national ID) and passport.

Why Birth Registration Matters in Ghana

A birth certificate in Ghana is required for:

  1. School enrollment at all levels.
  2. Application for a Ghana Card (National Identification).
  3. Obtaining a Ghanaian passport.
  4. Accessing health insurance under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
  5. Inheritance and legal proceedings.

Required Documents

  1. Birth notification form from the hospital, clinic, or licensed midwife.
  2. National ID (Ghana Card) or passport of both parents.
  3. Marriage certificate (if parents are married).
  4. Completed birth registration form (available at the Births and Deaths Registry).

How to Get a Birth Certificate in Ghana

Standard Registration Process

  1. Collect the birth notification from the hospital or health facility where the birth took place.
  2. Visit the nearest Births and Deaths Registry district office within 12 months.
  3. Complete the registration form and submit all supporting documents.
  4. Pay the applicable fee — GHS 5 for registration within 12 months.
  5. Collect the birth certificate within 1–5 working days.

Ghana Births and Deaths Registry - Accra birth certificate process

In Accra (Greater Accra Region)

The Births and Deaths Registry Headquarters is located at Ministries, Accra. District offices operate across Greater Accra’s districts including Ayawaso, Ablekuma, Tema, and La-Nkwantanang. Many hospitals in Accra — including Korle Bu Teaching Hospital — have on-site registration desks that allow same-day birth registration.

In Kumasi (Ashanti Region)

In Kumasi, the Births and Deaths Registry operates at the Ashanti Regional Office on Prempeh II Street and across multiple district offices in the region including Oforikrom, Asokwa, and Kwadaso. The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi’s largest hospital, provides on-site birth notification services.

Late Registration

Registrations made after 12 months attract a late fee. After several years, a statutory declaration sworn before a Commissioner for Oaths may be required in addition to the standard documents. Late registration is still encouraged over having no documentation.

Replacement Birth Certificates

To replace a lost or damaged birth certificate, visit the district Births and Deaths Registry where the original was registered, present a valid ID, and pay the certified copy fee of GHS 10. Processing takes 3–7 working days.

Tips

  1. Register at the hospital — Korle Bu in Accra and KATH in Kumasi offer same-day registration, making it the most convenient option for new parents.
  2. Register early — even though the law allows 12 months, early registration avoids risks of forgetting key details or losing the birth notification.
  3. Get at least 3 copies — you will need certified copies for school, the Ghana Card, and passport applications at different stages of life.
  4. Home births must be declared at the nearest health post or sub-district office, which then issues the notification for registry submission.
  5. Ghanaians abroad can register births through Ghanaian High Commissions and Embassies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a birth certificate cost in Ghana?

GHS 5 for registration within 12 months. Certified copy replacement costs GHS 10. Late registration fees are higher and vary by the length of delay.

How long does it take to get a birth certificate in Ghana?

1 to 5 working days at most district offices. Same-day registration is available at hospitals with on-site registry desks in Accra and Kumasi.

Can I register a birth online in Ghana?

Ghana’s National Identification Authority and the Births and Deaths Registry have been expanding digital services. Check bdrgha.gov.gh for current online options.

What if my child was born at home in Ghana?

Home births require a declaration from a licensed midwife, a community health worker, or a recognized traditional birth attendant. This declaration is then submitted to the Births and Deaths Registry for formal registration.

Is a birth certificate required for NHIS registration in Ghana?

Yes. A birth certificate is one of the accepted documents for enrolling children in Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).