By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
Samuel Adom Botchway, the Acting Registrar of the Births and Deaths Registry, has clarified the official fees and procedures for acquiring birth certificates in Ghana. Speaking in an interview on Kasapa FM, he disclosed that birth certificates for children aged 1 to 5 years cost ₵13, while those for persons aged 5 to 59 years cost ₵26.
Mr. Botchway emphasized that there is no instant or express service for obtaining a birth certificate, adding that the process is systematic and must go through the proper verification stages. “There’s no express or instant service. It’s a process that takes time,” he stated.
His comments come amid growing public concern and confusion over the cost of birth certificates. Many Ghanaians have expressed shock, claiming that they have been charged far more than the official rates.
The Acting Registrar further revealed that the Registry has introduced a new system that allows birth certificates to be tracked digitally across all regions. This means individuals can no longer register in regions where they do not reside, as the system is now interconnected nationwide.
“This new tracking system ensures transparency and prevents people from moving from one region to another just to acquire a birth certificate,” Mr. Botchway explained.
The clarification from the Births and Deaths Registry is expected to restore public confidence and curb the activities of middlemen who often exploit applicants by charging inflated fees.
Video credit: KasapaFM
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