Learn how to complete a legal name change in Ghana. Understand the Deed Poll process, Gazette publication, cost, duration, and how to update your official documents.
Changing your name in Ghana whether after marriage, divorce or for personal, cultural or religious reasons is a formal legal process governed by Ghanaian law. Many people wish to adopt a spouse’s surname, revert to a maiden name, or correct inconsistencies in their official documents.
This guide explains how to legally complete a name change in Ghana, including the required steps, documents, and implications.
1. Understanding Legal Name Change in Ghana
A name change in Ghana goes beyond casually using a new name on social media or in everyday life. For your new name to be officially recognised, you must complete a statutory process involving two main legal steps a Deed Poll and publication in the Ghana Gazette.
Without completing these steps, your new name cannot be used on official documents such as your Ghana Card, passport, bank accounts, or voter’s ID.
2. Common Reasons for Changing Your Name
People change their names in Ghana for many valid reasons, including:
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After marriage- to adopt a spouse’s surname
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After divorce – to revert to a maiden name or previous name
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Personal or religious reasons – to reflect a new faith, belief, or identity
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Correction of errors – to fix spelling mistakes or inconsistencies in official records
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Professional or cultural reasons – to align with professional identity or cultural preference
Regardless of your reason, the same legal procedure applies.
3. The Legal Process for Name Change in Ghana
The process of a legal name change in Ghana generally involves three main steps:
Step 1: Prepare a Deed Poll
A Deed Poll is a formal legal document declaring your decision to use a new name. It can be prepared by a lawyer or drafted personally and signed before a Commissioner for Oaths or Notary Public.
A valid Deed Poll should include:
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Your current name and new name
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A statement renouncing the old name
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Your signature and the date
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Signatures of witnesses
Step 2: Publish the Change in the Ghana Gazette
After preparing your Deed Poll, it must be published in the Ghana Gazette. This step legally validates your name change and serves as public notice to institutions and the general public.
To publish your name change, you must submit the following to the Assembly Press in Accra:
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The original Deed Poll
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A formal letter requesting publication
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A photocopy of your valid ID
After submission, your Gazette publication is usually issued within a few weeks.
Step 3: Update Your Official Records
Once your name has been gazetted, you must update all your official documents and records, including:
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Ghana Card
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Passport
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Bank accounts
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Voter’s ID
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Driver’s license
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SSNIT or employment records
Your Deed Poll and Gazette notice together serve as legal proof of your name change in Ghana.
4. Name Change After Marriage or Divorce
If your name change is related to marriage or divorce, the process remains the same but includes additional supporting documents.
After marriage, your marriage certificate serves as proof of your new surname. However, to reflect the change across all official records, you must still register a Deed Poll and publish it in the Gazette.
After divorce, you will need your divorce decree absolute, a Deed Poll reverting to your previous name, and Gazette publication to make it official.
This ensures consistency across all your legal and identification documents.
5. Legal Implications of a Name Change in Ghana
Once your new name is gazetted, it becomes your official legal identity. However, you remain responsible for any legal obligations, debts, or contracts entered into under your former name.
Future legal transactions, business dealings, and property ownership should be done under your new name to avoid complications.
6. Cost and Duration
The total cost of a name change in Ghana usually includes:
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Legal fees, if a lawyer drafts your Deed Poll
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Publication fees at the Assembly Press
The process typically takes between 2 and 8 weeks, depending on how quickly your Gazette notice is processed.
7. Why You Should Consult a Lawyer
Although you can complete the process yourself, consulting a lawyer ensures your documents are properly drafted, legally enforceable, and error-free. A lawyer can also help you avoid rejections or unnecessary delays at the Assembly Press or during updates to official records.
Conclusion
Changing your name in Ghana is a formal but straightforward process. To ensure your new name is recognized on all official documents, you must:
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Prepare a Deed Poll
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Publish your new name in the Ghana Gazette
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Update all relevant records
If you need assistance with a name change in Ghana, contact Amoako Adjei Law Consult for professional legal guidance and documentation support.