Eligibility quiz
Were you born before 6 March 1957?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Ghanaian passport and ID
Ghanaian citizens can get a Ghanaian passport or travel document.
The Ghana Card proves identity and citizenship and makes it easier to access services, including healthcare, education and banking.
Live in Ghana for life
Ghanaian citizens can enter and live in Ghana without a residence permit for as long as they remain citizens.
Live and work in 12 countries
Study in Ghana
Basic education is free and compulsory, and the state must make educational facilities available to citizens.
Secondary and higher education are to be made increasingly accessible and free over time, as provided by policy and law.
Work in Ghana
Ghanaian citizens can work without a foreign worker's permit.
They have workplace rights, including safe and healthy conditions, equal pay, rest, paid holidays and joining a trade union.
Get help abroad
Ghanaian citizens abroad can receive protection and assistance from Ghana's offices abroad.
Vote in elections
Ghanaian citizens can register and vote from age 18 if they live in the relevant voting area.
They must be of sound mind and not otherwise disqualified.
Use public healthcare
Ghanaian citizens can access public healthcare, including the National Health Insurance Scheme, if they meet the scheme's conditions.
Access social support
Ghanaian citizens can use public support schemes, including pensions and social security, if they meet the scheme's conditions.
These may include conditions about contributions, age, residence or employment.
How to apply
Applying from inside GhanaApplying from inside Ghana
Get the application form
Ghanaian citizenship by birth is automatic if you qualify. If your citizenship is in doubt, get Form 9 to apply for a certificate of citizenship.
Find Form 9Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I get Form 9 for a Ghana certificate of citizenship when citizenship is in doubt?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the documents required for your certificate of citizenship application.
See required documentsFill in the form
Fill in Form 9 with your details and the requested information about your parents and grandparents. Explain why your citizenship is in doubt.
Get form guidanceSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in Form 9 for a Ghana certificate of citizenship when citizenship is in doubt?”
Make your declaration
Make the declaration on Form 9 before a Circuit Judge, a Community Tribunal chair or a Commissioner for Oaths.
Find declaration guidanceSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I make the Form 9 declaration for a Ghana certificate of citizenship when citizenship is in doubt?”
Hand in your application
Submit your completed Form 9 and supporting documents to the Minister of the Interior or a person authorised by the Minister. Ask the Ministry how to hand them in.
Find submission detailsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit Form 9 to the Ghana Ministry of the Interior for a certificate of citizenship when citizenship is in doubt?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for a decision on your application. Respond if the Ministry asks for more information or documents.
Find decision informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does a Ghana certificate of citizenship application take when citizenship is in doubt?”
Receive your certificate
If your application is approved, receive your certificate of citizenship. You can use it as evidence of your citizenship and apply for a Ghanaian passport.
Find certificate guidanceSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I receive a Ghana certificate of citizenship after an application when citizenship is in doubt?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Bring your original birth certificate and a copy. Provide birth records linking you to your parent and your Ghanaian grandparent.
Grandparent's citizenship records
Provide evidence that your grandparent was a Ghanaian citizen. Depending on when and where you were born, you may also need evidence of your parent's Ghanaian citizenship.
Family citizenship declaration *
Provide a declaration about your citizenship made by one of your parents in a High Court, or an affidavit made by the head of your family. Check with your consulate which it accepts.
* Only if you apply for a passport at a consulate and it asks for a declaration.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Passport rule for dual citizens
If you have another citizenship, you must leave Ghana on the passport you used to enter.
You must not switch passports to deceive officials.
Citizenship can be lost
You can give up citizenship through the required process and must hand over your Ghanaian passport before receiving the certificate.
If you are not Ghanaian by birth, a court can take it away in certain circumstances.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Ghana birth certificate and ghana passport support
English Facebook group for people interested in Ghanaian citizenship
Join on FacebookGhana 🇬🇭 passport and birth certificate support
English Facebook group for people interested in Ghanaian citizenship
Join on FacebookExpatriates in Ghana (Ghana Life)
English Facebook group for people living in Ghana interested in Ghanaian local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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