Introduction

Ghanaian citizenship for children is governed by the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and the Citizenship Act, 2000 (Act 591). These laws ensure that children born to Ghanaian citizens, whether in Ghana or abroad, can obtain Ghanaian nationality by birth. In practice, a child born on or after 7 January 1993 is a Ghanaian citizen at birth if at least one parent (or a grandparent) is Ghanaian.

For diaspora families, this allows children born overseas to claim Ghanaian citizenship by descent and access rights in both countries. The Constitution also covers special cases (such as foundlings and adoptees), creating a clear framework for children’s nationality rights.

Citizenship by Birth (in Ghana)

• Eligibility: Any child born in Ghana on or after 7 Jan 1993 is Ghanaian at birth if either parent (or a grandparent) was Ghanaian at the time of birth. If neither parent is Ghanaian, the child is not automatically Ghanaian (except the foundling rule below).
• Foundlings (protection rule): A child up to age 7 found in Ghana with unknown parents is presumed to be a Ghanaian citizen by birth.
• Documents issued: Newborns are registered at the Births and Deaths Registry (BDR). Parents provide the maternal health record and child’s bio-data (name, date/place of birth, parents’ details). The BDR issues the official birth certificate, which is primary proof of citizenship.
• National ID & Passport: Children may obtain the Ghana Card (national ID) and, once documented, a Ghanaian passport.
• Mixed-nationality parents: If one parent is Ghanaian and the other is foreign, the child born in Ghana is still Ghanaian by birth. Ghana permits dual nationality, so the child may hold both nationalities if eligible under the other country’s law.

Citizenship by Descent (Born Abroad to Ghanaian Parents)

• Eligibility: A person born outside Ghana after 7 Jan 1993 is a Ghanaian citizen at birth if either parent or a grandparent is (or was) a Ghanaian citizen. This applies even if the other parent is a foreign national.
• Required documents (typical): Child’s foreign birth certificate and the Ghanaian parent’s Ghanaian passport (or citizenship certificate). If the Ghanaian parent acquired citizenship by registration/naturalization, attach that certificate.
• Where & how to register: Register the child at the nearest Ghana embassy/consulate. The Interior Ministry provides a “Registration of Minor” (Form 4) process for these cases. Once processed and recorded in Ghana, the child can obtain a Ghanaian passport and Ghana Card.
• “By registration” vs “by descent”: By descent is an automatic right from parentage. By registration is a formal application the state uses to record a child’s citizenship in situations like: a parent became Ghanaian by registration/naturalization and is now registering their minor child. The outcome in both cases is recognition of the child as Ghanaian.

Citizenship for Adopted Children

• Who qualifies: A foreign child under age 16 who is legally adopted by a Ghanaian citizen becomes a Ghanaian citizen by virtue of the adoption (after the adoption order is finalized and recognized in Ghana).
• Authorities & process: The Central Adoption Authority under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection oversees adoptions in Ghana. After a Ghanaian adopts a child, the adoptive parent must notify the Minister for the Interior (Regulation Form 1). Parents can then update the child’s records and apply for a Ghanaian birth certificate and passport.
• Effect on nationality: Once adoption is approved and recognized, the child is treated as Ghanaian (no separate naturalization test required).

Dual Citizenship Rules for Children

• General rule: Ghana allows dual nationality. A child who is Ghanaian and also qualifies for another country’s citizenship may hold both.
• Two passports: A Ghanaian child can hold a Ghanaian passport and a foreign passport. However, dual nationals should not use two passports for the same trip to evade immigration rules. When entering or exiting Ghana, use the Ghanaian passport (or valid dual-citizenship documentation).
• At age 18: Ghana does not force a choice at 18; the child may keep both nationalities. If a Ghanaian later acquires another citizenship voluntarily, they are required to notify the Interior Ministry in writing. Many adults also apply for the official Dual Citizenship Certificate (Form 10) to formalize dual status.
• Public office: Dual citizens have some restrictions on holding certain public/security offices, but there is no general loss of citizenship for holding another nationality.

Proof of Citizenship & Documentation

• Birth Certificate (BDR): For children born in Ghana, the BDR birth certificate is the primary proof of citizenship and identity.
• Ghanaian Passport: Available to all Ghanaian citizens, including minors (with parental consent). Serves as strong proof of citizenship and enables international travel.
• Ghana Card (National ID): Issued to citizens of all ages (including children). Typically requires a birth certificate or Ghanaian passport during registration.
• Dual Citizenship Certificate (Form 10): Optional but useful for citizens who also hold another nationality; provides an official dual-citizen ID/card.
• Embassy/Consulate registration (diaspora): For children born abroad, register the birth with the nearest Ghana mission by submitting the child’s foreign birth certificate, the Ghanaian parent’s passport, and required forms. After registration, apply for the child’s Ghanaian passport and Ghana Card.

Summary Table