Getting legally married in Accra involves a clear and formal process regulated by Ghana’s Registrar General’s Department and the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), including the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).
This guide outlines everything you need to know about marriage registration in Accra, including the online process, registration offices, sample forms, and how to access a marriage certificate in Ghana.
Registering a marriage in Accra is a structured process overseen by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).
This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough for registering an Ordinance (civil) marriage, based on official information from the AMA.
📝 Step-by-Step Guide to Marriage Registration in Accra
Online Marriage Certificate
Here are the steps for marriage registration in Accra:
1. Prepare Required Documents
Before initiating the registration process, ensure you have the following:
- Original and photocopies of valid ID cards for both parties (e.g., Ghana Card, Passport, or Driver’s License).
- If one party is unavailable during filing, a signed consent letter from the absent party.
- For individuals previously married, copies of divorce certificates.
- Foreign nationals must have resided in Ghana for at least 14 days prior to registration and provide a valid resident permit.
2. File a Notice of Marriage
Both parties must file a Notice of Marriage at the AMA Marriage Registry at least 21 days before the intended marriage date. The notice should include:
- Full names of both parties.
- Occupations.
- Places of residence.
- Marital status (Single, Divorced, or Widowed).
- Names and occupations of both fathers.
3. Public Notification Period
After filing, the AMA will display the notice on its notice board for 21 days. This period allows the public to raise any legal objections to the intended marriage.
4. Objection Handling
If no objections (caveats) are raised during the 21-day period, the marriage can proceed. If objections arise, they must be resolved legally before continuing.
5. Schedule and Conduct the Marriage Ceremony
Post the notification period, schedule a date for the marriage ceremony. Both parties must be present with two witnesses each. The ceremony can be conducted at the AMA’s designated venues or another approved location.
6. Signing and Issuance of Marriage Certificate
On the scheduled date, the couple and their witnesses will sign the marriage certificate in the presence of the registrar. The official marriage certificate is then issued to the couple.
💰 Fees and Charges
As of the latest available information, the following fees apply:
- Notice of Marriage Filing: GH¢102
- Issuance of Marriage Certificate: GH¢210
- Marriage Ceremony at AMA Hall (Weekdays): GH¢283.50
- Marriage Ceremony at AMA Hall (Weekends): GH¢405.00
- Certified True Copy of Marriage Certificate: GH¢108.00
Note: Fees are subject to change; please confirm current rates with the AMA.
📍 Contact Information
For further inquiries or to initiate the marriage registration process:
- Phone: +233 (0) 531 902 050
- Email: marriage@ama.gov.gh
- Address: H72, Independence Avenue, Kinbu Garden, Accra
- Digital Address: GA-143-6657 (AMA)
By following these steps and ensuring all requirements are met, couples can successfully register their marriage in Accra through the AMA.
🔧 Online Marriage Certificate in Accra
Ghana has made strides in digitizing its civil registration processes, including marriage registration. While not fully online, the application process for a marriage certificate can be initiated online:
- Visit the Registrar General’s website: rgd.gov.gh
- Create an account and select “Marriage Services.”
- Fill in the preliminary details of both parties.
- Schedule an appointment with the marriage registry.
- Print the confirmation and present it in person for documentation and payment.
Online services are available for:
- Booking marriage counseling sessions
- Downloading marriage forms
- Tracking application status
📄 Marriage Certificate in Ghana
Marriage Registration
A Marriage Certificate is an official legal document issued by the Registrar of Marriages confirming that two individuals are legally married under Ghanaian law. It is required for:
- Immigration or spousal visa applications
- Name changes
- Legal property transfers
Types of marriages recognized:
- Ordinance Marriage (Civil/Christian)
- Customary Marriage
- Islamic Marriage (registered under the Mohammedan Ordinance)
🏢 Marriage Registry Office in Accra
In Accra, marriage registration can be conducted at various registry offices, including:
- Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA)
City Hall, Barnes Road, Accra
Phone: +233 (0) 302 665 951 - Registrar General’s Department (National Office)
Opposite Kinbu Secondary Technical School, Accra Central
Website: rgd.gov.gh - High Court Marriage Registry
Law Court Complex, Accra
Registries usually operate from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
📝 Marriage Registration Forms
Before marriage registration, couples are required to complete the following forms:
- Notice of Marriage Form (also known as Form A)
- Declaration of Marriage Form
- Certificate of No Impediment (for foreigners or previously married individuals)
These forms can be obtained:
- Online at https://www.rgd.gov.gh/
- At the registry office during working hours
Processing Time: 21-day public notice period after submitting the Notice of Marriage form.
🔗 Ghana Marriage Certificate Copy PDF
You can obtain a digital copy of your marriage certificate from the Registrar General’s office or the registry where the marriage was registered.
Steps involved in getting copy of the marriage certificate are as outlined below:
- Submit a request for a certified copy.
- Pay the prescribed fee (usually between GHS 50–100).
- Receive a scanned PDF copy via email or on a USB drive.
Digital copies are commonly used for visa and legal purposes.
📝 Samples of Marriage Certificate in Ghana
A Ghanaian marriage certificate typically includes:
- Full names of the spouses
- Date and place of marriage
- Type of marriage (Ordinance, Customary, or Islamic)
- Signature of registrar and witnesses
- Unique certificate number
Note: It is printed on official security paper and bears the Ghana Coat of Arms.
💬 Marriage Counselors in Accra
Pre-marital counseling is mandatory for couples intending to marry under the Ordinance in Ghana. The counseling aims to educate couples on marital responsibilities and conflict resolution.
Some certified marriage counselors and institutions include:
- Registrar General’s Department Counseling Unit
- Faith-based institutions (e.g., Action Chapel, ICGC, Methodist Church)
- Private licensed counselors such as:
- Counselling Hub Ghana (Airport Residential Area)
- LoveAid Counseling Services (Osu)
Cost: Typically ranges from GHS 100 – 500, depending on the provider.
💼 Accra Marriage Registrar
The Marriage Registrar is a government-appointed official responsible for:
- Issuing certificates of marriage
- Conducting civil marriage ceremonies
- Keeping official marriage records
- Handling objections or legal issues around proposed marriages
In Accra, the Chief Marriage Registrar operates under the Ministry of Justice through the Registrar General’s Department.
You can contact the office directly for inquiries or bookings:
- Phone: +233 (0) 302 664 691
- Email: info@rgd.gov.gh
📊 Conclusion
Getting married in Accra is a formal but manageable process if you follow the legal steps outlined by the government. Whether you’re opting for a civil, customary, or Islamic marriage, it is crucial to engage with certified registrars, complete the required documentation, and fulfill the counseling requirements.
For faster processing and legal recognition, always register your marriage at an accredited registry. Couples are encouraged to begin the process early, especially when marriage documents are needed for legal or international purposes.
Disclaimer: This guide reflects Ghana’s marriage laws and procedures as of 2025. For the most accurate and updated information, visit the official Registrar General’s Department website or the Accra Metropolitan Assembly office.
