How to Replace a Marriage Certificate in Ghana

Losing a marriage certificate is stressful, but replacing it is a straightforward administrative process. The key is understanding where your marriage was registered and what type of certificate you need. You do not need to re-register your marriage or go through the ceremony again—you simply need a certified copy of the original entry.

The Core Rule: You Need a Certified True Copy

In Ghana, the document you receive to replace a lost or damaged marriage certificate is called a Certified True Copy. It is not a new registration. It is a copy of the original entry in the marriage register, certified by the Registrar .

The Principal Registrar of Marriages has the authority to issue a Certified True Copy of any marriage certificate . However, for most couples, the practical route is through the District Assembly where the marriage was originally registered.

Where to Apply

You must apply to the Marriage Registry of the District Assembly where your marriage was registered .

This is important. The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), for example, explicitly states that only clients who registered their marriage within AMA’s jurisdiction can apply for its search and replacement services . If you married in Kumasi, you cannot replace your certificate in Accra.

The types of marriages handled by District Assemblies include:

• Ordinance Marriage (the civil, monogamous marriage)

• Customary Marriage (if it was registered with the assembly)

For marriages contracted in a recognized church or mosque, the certificate may have been issued by that institution, but the Principal Registrar still retains authority to issue certified copies .

The Process: Search First, Then Replace

If you do not have your original certificate, the Assembly needs to locate your record before they can issue a copy. This is done through a Marriage Certificate Search.

Step 1: Apply for a Search

For the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, the search can be initiated through the government’s e-Payment portal (epay.gov.gh). The AMA lists a “Marriage Certificate Search” service with a processing time of 3 days .

You will need to provide:

• Male’s first name, last name, and middle name before marriage

• Female’s first name, last name (or maiden name), and middle name before marriage

• Date of marriage

• Place of marriage

• An email address

• A scanned copy of a valid ID (Voter’s ID, Passport, or Driver’s Licence) of either spouse

Once the search is successful, you receive an Order ID. You then use that Order ID to apply for the Certified True Copy .

Step 2: Apply for the Certified True Copy

With the Order ID, you apply for the “True Copy of Marriage Certificate” under the AMA’s list of services. The fee for a Certified True Copy at the AMA is GH¢108 as of May 2026 .

The Ga East Municipal Assembly lists a Certified True Copy of Marriage Certificate at GH¢75 . As with all assembly fees, the exact amount varies by district and is subject to annual review.

Step 3: Collect the Certificate

The copy is typically issued by mail or collected in person . Confirm the collection method with the Assembly when you apply.

What If You Married Under Customary Law?

The process is similar, but the record-keeping depends on whether the marriage was formally registered. Under the Customary Marriage and Divorce (Registration) Law, 1985 (PNDCL 112), the Registrar issues a Certified True Copy of the entry in the register upon payment of the prescribed fee .

If your customary marriage was registered with a District Assembly, you apply to that same Assembly for a Certified True Copy. If it was never registered, there is no register entry to copy. In that case, you may need to register the marriage first (if it meets the legal requirements) or rely on other evidence of the marriage.

What If You Need the Certificate for Use Abroad?

A Ghanaian marriage certificate is often required for spousal visas, immigration, or legal proceedings in another country. A simple Certified True Copy may not be sufficient for foreign authorities.

For authentication abroad, the certificate must be:

1. Notarized by a Notary Public in Ghana

2. Certified by the Judicial Service of Ghana

3. Attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within three months of issue

For use in the UK, the Ghana High Commission in London must further attest the document.

This is a separate process from replacing the certificate, and it involves additional fees and timelines. If you need the certificate for a foreign authority, start the replacement process early and ask the Assembly about the authentication steps.

Important Notes

You do not need to re-register. A Certified True Copy is a copy of the original record. It does not change any details. If your name or other details need correction, that is a separate process handled through the Assembly’s correction procedures.

Fees vary by district. The AMA charges GH¢108 for a Certified True Copy . Ga East charges GH¢75 . An older 2022 figure for the AMA lists GH¢81 for a marriage certificate or certified true copy . Always confirm the current fee at the Assembly where you are applying.

Contact the Assembly directly. The AMA Marriage Registry can be reached at [email protected] or 053-190-2050 . The Registrar-General’s Department can be reached at [email protected] or 053-408-1495 . For other districts, contact the Marriage Registry of the relevant Municipal or District Assembly.

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Last Updated on October 24, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

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