Marriage in Ghana: Requirements for a U.S. Man Marrying a Ghanaian Woman

To legally marry in Ghana, a U.S. citizen must provide the following to the Ghana Marriage Registry (Registrar General's Department):

Required Documents

• Valid U.S. Passport (bio-data page).
• Original Birth Certificate.
• Proof of Income/Employment: Pay slips, bank statements, employer letter.
• Police Clearance Certificate: FBI Identity History Summary (apostilled) or local police report from jurisdiction of residence, proving no criminal record.
• Affidavit of Marital Status: Sworn statement (before a notary/consul) that you are single/divorced/widowed and free to marry.
• Marriage License Application Form: Obtained from the Registry.
• Two passport-sized photos each.
• Parental Consent: If bride is under 21, written consent from parents/guardians.
• Divorce Decree Absolute / Death Certificate: If previously married.
• Ministerial Waiver: Required if either party is a minor or has complex prior marital status.

Additional Requirements

• Groom must be ≥21 years old.
• Not currently married (monogamy required for civil marriage).
• Not within prohibited degrees of consanguinity/affinity.
• Financially capable of supporting spouse.
• Good character/reputation.
• Willingness to respect Ghanaian customs.

Strongly Advised: Contact the Ghana High Commission in Washington, D.C. or the Registrar General's Department in Accra for current forms, fees, and processing times before traveling.