How to Change Your Name After Getting Married in Ghana (2026 Guide)

So, you’ve finished your traditional marriage and your white wedding, and now you’re ready to transition into your new identity. While the romance of a new last name is exciting, the paperwork in Ghana requires a specific legal trail. Here’s how to change your name after getting married in Ghana.

Whether you are opting for a “Modern Royalty” branding of your new name or a simple hyphenation, here is the expert-approved step-by-step process to making it official.

1. The Statutory Declaration (Affidavit)

The foundation of any name change in Ghana is the Affidavit. This is a legal document where you formally declare your intent to drop your maiden name and adopt your partner’s name (or a combination).

Where to go: Visit a Commissioner of Oaths at any High Court or consult a private legal practitioner.
What you need: You must provide your current name (as it appears on your birth certificate/Ghana Card), your new name, the specific reason (Marriage), and a declaration that this change is not for fraudulent purposes.
Pro Tip: Ensure the spellings match your Marriage Certificate exactly to avoid hiccups later.

2. Gazetting the Name Change

In Ghana, a name change isn’t truly “legal” until it is published in the Government Gazette. This is the step many brides skip, only to face issues when renewing a passport years later.

Where to go: Take your sworn Affidavit to the Ghana Publishing Company (Assembly Press) in Accra, located near Barnes Road.
The Process: You will pay a fee to have your name change published. They will issue a receipt and notify you when the Gazette is ready.
Wait Time: Expect a wait of 2–4 weeks. Once published, you will receive a physical copy of the Gazette, which is your “golden ticket” for ID updates.

3. Updating Your National IDs (Ghana Card & Passport)

With your Gazette and Affidavit in hand, it’s time to update your “Big Two” identification documents:

Ghana Card (NIA): Visit a National Identification Authority office. You will undergo a “data correction” or “replacement” process. This is vital as the Ghana Card is now linked to almost everything, including your SSNIT and Bank accounts.
Passport: Visit the Passport Office. You will need to apply for a new passport (renewal/replacement) using your Gazette, Affidavit, and Marriage Certificate as supporting evidence.

4. Banks, Employers, and Professional Bodies

Inform your HR department and your bank immediately. While some banks may accept just a Marriage Certificate for minor changes, most “Tier 1” banks and professional bodies (like the Medical and Dental Council or Ghana Bar Association) will strictly require the original Gazette.

Special Notes for Ghanaian Brides

Marriage Under Ordinance: If you married under the Marriage Ordinance, your Marriage Certificate is a powerful legal tool, but the Gazette remains the standard for permanent records like the Ghana Card.
Customary Marriage: If you performed a traditional marriage only, you must follow the Affidavit and Gazette process to change your name legally, as there is often no central “Ordinance” certificate issued unless you registered the marriage at the Municipal Assembly.

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