Ghana - Apply for Adoption

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Procedure

Apply In-Person:

1. Please visit the Social Welfare Department in Ghana where the social worker will explain the process and take his/her through the formalities, paperwork and general preparation required for registration. contact link
2. Please register for adoption with social welfare department.
3. Social worker will visit the prospective adoptive parent home to make home study. This will happen within three months from registration.
4. Agency people will conduct a counseling session to understand the prospective parent.
5. The conclusion from the home study and counseling sessions is then reported to the honorable court
6. Once the preparation is over, agency intimates about child ready for adoption and shares the medical reports, physical examination report and other relevant details to the parents. Parents can meet the child once they are comfortable with the child.
7. Once parents are comfortable and selected their child, they will have to sign set of documents. Documents provided in the “Required Documents” section of this page.
8. A layer will submit prescribed set of documents before the court. Parents need to sign the petition in front of the court officer.
9. After signing, parents shall monitor the habits of the child under the care of a nursing staff.
10. Parents along with child need to attend the court hearing. Judge will ask few questions and also mention about the amount that needs to be invested in the name of the child from the judge.
11. Once the receipt of investment made is proved, judge shall pass the adoption orders.
12. Agency will submit follow up report for next two years to the court.
13. Attorney fees usually range from GHC 2,000 to GHC 3,000 and they generally include court costs. Fees listed below the “Fees” section of this page.
14. The average cost of adopting from West Africa would be between $20,000 and $40,000, including the home study, counseling, medical expenses, and foster care if needed.
15. After signing the petition for adoption, time will be as per hearing tenure. (1 to 2 months)

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Required Documents

• Adoption application
• 4 x 6 size photographs – 4 copies of husband and wife together
• Marriage certificate and proof of age
• Reason for adoption
• Latest HIV and Hepatitis B report of the couple
• Income certificate
• Proof of residence
• Investment details
• Reference letter from 3 people
• Any other document which may be required by the agency or the court
• IT returns
• Date of Birth proof (both parents)
• Educational Certificates (both parents)
• Undertaking letter (Affidavit by blood relation on who will take care in case of death of both parents. Blood relation has to be younger than parents)
• Child Care Plan (essay on how applicant will take care of child including the financial angle)
• Ghana Card

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Office Locations & Contacts

Department Of Social Welfare - Ghana, Head Office
Address: HR23+JQ Accra, Ghana
Contact : +233302684536
Location link
Website Link

Eligibility

• A child in Ghana can be adopted by a Ghana citizen or a foreign citizen.
• In case a couple is adopting a child, they should have completed at least two years of stable marriage and should have a joint consensus for adoption of the child.
• The age difference between the child and the adoptive parents should not be less than 25 years.

Fees

• Attorney fees usually range from GHC 2,000 to GHC 3,000 and they generally include court costs.

Validity

• Once adopted, the child becomes a family member legally.

Documents to Use

Please attach documents that can be used by people. e.g. links

Sample Documents

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Processing Time

• After signing the petition for adoption, time will be as per hearing tenure. (1 to 2 months).

Related Videos

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications.
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Instructions

Please provide other instructions related to the certificate/documents.
e.g. The state office holds birth records since January 1908.

Required Information

• Name of applicant
• Age of the applicant (must)
• Marital status
• Occupation
• Nationality
• Region
• Adopt child’s name
• Age and sex of the adopt child
• Other information

Need for the Document

• Adoption gives hopeful parents the opportunity to raise a child they wouldn't have otherwise. Adoption allows couples and single adults to share their life with a child and enjoy the unique experience of parenthood. Adoption builds rewarding, meaningful relationships between adoptive families and birth parents.

Information which might help

• Couples with three or more kids are not considered for adoption except in case of special-needs children.

Other uses of the Document/Certificate

Please explain what other uses of obtaining this document/certificate.
e.g. Birth Certificate can be used as proof of identity.

External Links

Link

Others

More information which might help people.