How To Apply For A birth Certificate In Ghana
What is a birth certificate? A birth certificate is an official document that serves as legal proof of a person’s birth. It typically includes details like the individual’s full name, date and place of birth, and parentage. In many countries, it’s a vital document required for various official purposes like obtaining a passport, enrolling in school, or accessing certain benefits.Â
What are the requirement needed to apply for a birth certificate in Ghana?
The requirements for a birth certificate in Ghana vary depending on whether it’s a new registration for a child or a late registration for an adult. The process is managed by the Births and Deaths Registry.
For a Newborn (Infant Registration)
The registration of a child’s birth is ideally done within 21 days of birth at the nearest Births and Deaths Registry office in the district where the birth occurred.
Requirements:
Evidence of Birth: This is typically the maternal health record book (weighing card).
Bio-data: You will need to provide information for both parents, including their:
Full names
Age
Occupation
Religion
Nationality
Educational background
National ID:
If providing a nationality other than Ghanaian for a parent, you may need to show evidence like a passport or national ID.
Informant:
The registration is usually done by one or both parents.
For Late Registration (for a person over one year old)
If a birth was not registered within the first year, it is considered a late registration.
Requirements:
Evidence of Birth: This can be a weighing card, a baptismal certificate (issued within a maximum of five years after birth), or an old birth certificate.
Affidavits: For a minor, an affidavit from one of the parents is required.
Bio-data: You will need to provide the same bio-data for the parents as for infant registration.
Affidavit from Commissioner for Oaths:
For an adult applicant who wants to make a late change to their certificate, an affidavit specifying the changes is required, along with the old certificate.
How To Apply For A birth Ghana Certificate?
Place of Registration:
You must register at the Births and Deaths Registry office in the district where the birth occurred.
Cost:
The cost can vary. While infant registration is often free if done within the grace period (usually one year), late applications and penalties may apply.
Certified Copies:
If you need a certified true copy of an existing birth certificate, you can apply for it at the Births and Deaths Registry head office. This typically involves a search fee and a certified copy fee.
Application Method:
You can apply for a birth certificate either at a district office of the Births and Deaths Registry or, in some cases, through an online portal. The manual process at the district office can sometimes be faster.
What are the benefits of having a birth certificate in Ghana?
Legal Identity and Citizenship:
A birth certificate is the primary legal proof of a person’s name, date of birth, and parentage.
It serves as the foundational document for establishing Ghanaian citizenship.
- Access to Essential Services
Education: A birth certificate is often required for school registration, particularly at the primary and secondary levels. It helps verify a child’s age for school entry.
Healthcare:
It can be used to ensure children receive the correct immunizations and other health services based on their age.
Social Protection:
The document is vital for accessing government assistance programs and social welfare services.
Foundation for Other Official Documents
A birth certificate is a prerequisite for obtaining other important national identification documents, including:
Ghana Card:
It’s one of the primary documents required to register for the National Identity Card (Ghana Card).
Ghanaian Passport:
To apply for a Ghanaian passport, a birth certificate is a mandatory requirement.
Driver’s License:
It may be needed to verify your age and identity when applying for a driver’s license.
Protection of Rights
Child Protection: A birth certificate protects a child from various forms of exploitation, such as child trafficking and child marriage, by providing a legal record of their identity and age.
Inheritance and Property Rights: It can be used to prove kinship and entitlement to inheritance.
National Planning
From a government perspective, birth registration provides crucial data for national planning. This data helps in the effective allocation of resources for services like health, education, and social welfare programs.
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