Applying for a passport for a child in Ghana is not the same as applying for an adult. The rules are stricter, the documentation is more specific, and the consent requirements are non-negotiable. And for every applicant—adult or child—the guarantor and witness rules are a critical hurdle. Here is the complete guide based on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs requirements.
Part 1: Ghana Passport for Children (Minors Under 18)
The Core Rule: Parents Must Be Present
For any applicant under 18 years of age, parents or legal guardians must accompany the minor to their appointment . The child cannot attend alone.
The Hong Kong Consulate reinforces this: applicants under 18 must be accompanied by at least one parent or guardian, and applications through agents or by post will not be accepted .
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The Parental Consent Form
This is the document that causes the most confusion. Here is when it is required and when it is not :
Required when: A parent or legal guardian is not accompanying the minor to the passport office. For example, if parents are divorced and only one parent is applying on behalf of the child.
Not required when: Both parents attend the passport office in person with their child.
The form itself has sections for the minor’s details, both parents’ details, legal guardian details (if applicable), and a declaration of consent. It also includes a section for special circumstances, such as a deceased parent (death certificate required) or sole custody (court order required).
Required Documents for Minors
Based on the official portal and embassy checklists, you will need :
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Printed and signed online application form | Mandatory |
| Birth Certificate | Mandatory (translated if not in English) |
| Copy of Parent/Guardian’s Ghana Card or Passport | Required for minors |
| Consent Form | Required (see rules above) |
| Processing fee payment receipt | Required |
| Proof of profession | Where applicable |
The Berlin Embassy adds that for a new applicant from Ghana, an affidavit from Ghana stating the child has never applied for a Ghanaian passport before may also be required .
The Process
The process follows the same online steps as an adult application: create an account at passport.mfa.gov.gh, complete the form, pay online, and book an appointment. The difference is that the minor must attend with the parent or guardian, and the consent form (if required) must be completed and brought to the appointment.
All applicants, including children, must attend in person for biometric capture .
Part 2: Ghana Passport Guarantor Requirements
The Two Guarantors
Every application requires two guarantors. The rules are strict :
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They must be at least 18 years old.
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They must have known the applicant for at least 2 years.
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They may be relatives.
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They may live in Ghana or your country of residence.
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By their undertaking, they are deemed to have agreed jointly and severally to pay expenses incurred by the government if the applicant is repatriated or dies abroad.
The application form itself states that any two relatives living in Ghana (or legally resident in the country of application) who will act as guarantors and can be contacted in case of emergency are to be provided.
The Professional Witness
You also need one professional witness. This person cannot be the same as your guarantors. The requirements are :
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They must have known the applicant for at least 2 years.
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They must be a resident in your country of residence and ideally a Ghanaian.
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They must sign the application form.
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They must be available to be contacted by the Mission if needed.
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They must agree to their name and contact information being used.
Acceptable professions include:
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Armed Forces (Commissioned Officer, Captain and above)
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Prison Service
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Civil/Public Service (Senior Civil Servant)
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Registered Medical Practitioner
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Solicitor or Barrister
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Head of an Educational Institution
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Other recognised professionals registered with their respective regulating bodies
The Legal Consequence
The application form carries a warning: making a false statement for the purpose of procuring a passport is an offence under Section 15 of the Passport and Travel Certificate Decree (NLCD 155, 1967) . Guarantors and witnesses are included in this caution. They are not just signing a form; they are taking on a legal responsibility.
Quick Facts
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Minor Age | Under 18 years |
| Parental Presence | Mandatory at appointment |
| Consent Form | Required if a parent/guardian is absent |
| Consent Form Exemption | Both parents attend in person |
| Guarantors | 2 required; 18+; known applicant 2+ years |
| Witness | 1 required; not a guarantor; professional category |
| Online Portal | passport.mfa.gov.gh |
| Biometric Capture | All applicants, including children |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does my child need to be present for the passport appointment?
Yes. All applicants, including children, must attend in person for biometric capture .
2. Do both parents need to attend the minor’s passport appointment?
Either both parents attend, or one parent attends with a completed parental consent form if the other parent is not present .
3. When is the parental consent form not required?
The consent form is not required if both parents attend the passport office in person with the child .
4. What documents do I need for a child’s passport application?
Printed application form, birth certificate, copy of parent/guardian’s Ghana Card or passport, consent form (if required), and payment receipt .
5. Who can be a guarantor for a Ghana passport?
Two guarantors who are at least 18, have known the applicant for at least 2 years, and may be relatives. They can live in Ghana or abroad.
6. Who can be a professional witness?
One person who has known the applicant for at least 2 years and is a professional such as a lawyer, doctor, senior civil servant, police officer, military officer, or head of a school. They cannot be the same as the guarantors .
7. What happens if a guarantor provides false information?
Making a false statement for the purpose of procuring a passport is an offence under Section 15 of the Passport and Travel Certificate Decree. Guarantors and witnesses are included in this caution .
8. Can a relative be a guarantor?
Yes. The rules explicitly state that guarantors may be relatives
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on October 27, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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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.
