Can Single People Adopt in Ghana? A Modern Look at Challenges and Hope

Adoption is often seen as the realm of married couples, but what if you are single and feel called to adopt? Can you pursue this pathway in Ghana? Let us unpack the legal realities, emotional implications, and broader global context in a clear, research-supported way.

Legal Status in Ghana

Under Ghana’s Children’s Act (1998, amended 2016) and Adoption Regulations (2022), adoption is governed by the Department of Social Welfare and the Central Adoption Authority .
• Single women who are Ghanaian citizens or residents may apply.
• Single men face restrictions: they cannot adopt except their own biological son or if the court rules that “special circumstances” exist  .
• Applicants must be at least 25 years old, and 21 years older than the child. Relative adopters can apply up to age 65; non-relatives up to 55 .

Why Do the Restrictions Exist?

Historically, Ghana’s laws have aimed to safeguard children. Concerns about neglect, cultural norms, and potential misuse prompt caution, especially regarding single male applicants. The law prioritizes protecting the child’s best interests above all else.

Over the past few months running my platform DzifahTamakloe.com, I have received several heartfelt messages from men asking, “Can I adopt a child as a single man?” or “Will I be allowed to adopt since I am not married?”

The short answer is yes, men can adopt. But the longer answer requires us to peel back layers of policy, public perception, and deep-seated cultural assumptions.

The Reality: Men Can Adopt But It is Rare

In most countries, including Ghana and Canada, the law does not explicitly prevent single men from adopting. What often happens, however, is that male applicants are scrutinized more intensely than female or couple applicants.

In Ghana, adoption is governed by the Central Adoption Authority, and while the law is gender-neutral, men often face greater social resistance, delays, or are told outright that a woman would be “better suited.”

In other parts of the world, especially in Western countries, male adopters are often viewed with suspicion, especially when it comes to adopting younger children.

Sadly, this stems from societal fears around abuse or grooming fears that, while necessary to address child safety, are often unfairly projected onto single men.

Social Perceptions: The ‘Mothering’ Bias

Adoption systems often favour women, especially single women, because of a cultural bias that equates caregiving and nurturing with femininity.

Men who express a desire to raise children, particularly alone, are sometimes seen as lacking the natural “maternal” qualities or presumed to be incapable of meeting emotional needs. But is nurturing gender-specific? Of course not.

Challenges Men Face
• Unconscious bias from social workers, adoption boards, and even family courts
• Longer home study processes
• Limited placements, especially for infants or girls
• Suspicion or stigma, especially toward LGBTQ+ men or those without traditional family structures

Global Perspective: Single Adoption Is Possible and Growing

In many countries, including the U.S., single-parent adoption is legal and increasingly common. Data shows that about 28% of children adopted from foster care between 2017–2019 were adopted by single parents even though only 48% of the public believes single parents can provide suitable homes .

Personal experiences shared online reflect this shift:

“I mean, I did it… fostered for two years, then adopted… Not hard if you can support a child and are open to learning.”
— Reddit user on single adoption experiences

Other single adopters echo this: it can be challenging, but it’s worthwhile and doable with preparation and support .

Factors Single Women Should Consider
• Support Networks: Adoptive parents benefit from friends, mentors, and community support, and this is vital for single parents .
• Emotional Preparedness: Post-adoption fatigue and depression affect 10–32% of adoptive parents. Coping strategies and counseling can help .
• Cultural and Legal Norms: In Ghana, adoption still leans toward two-parent families, but laws are evolving for single women.

How Single Women Can Navigate Adoption in Ghana

Step What to Do

1. Confirm citizenship/residency status Only Ghanaian citizens or residents may apply alone
2. Apply through Department of Social Welfare or a private agency: Meet age, health, income, and stability requirements
3. Undergo Home Study & Counseling Prepare emotionally and legally
4. Prove sound character and ability to care Document medical, income, references, and consent timelines
5. Be prepared to show community support Strengthen your case with strong networks and advocates

Yes, single women can adopt in Ghana but single men are generally not permitted unless special circumstances apply. The law prioritizes children’s security. While this restricts access, it also safeguards children from unregulated placements.

Internationally, single adoption is growing and shows that solo parents are more than capable of providing loving, stable homes.

If you are single and considering adoption, please do not be discouraged. Understand the legal framework, gather support, and proceed with awareness and confidence.

What Needs to Change

Every child deserves a safe, loving, and stable home. Gender should not be the litmus test for parenting potential. The more we marginalize men from caregiving roles, the more we deprive children of diverse family models. Studies consistently show that single fathers can raise healthy, emotionally secure children, just like mothers.

If you are a man considering adoption, do not let cultural perceptions hold you back. Seek legal counsel, work with a supportive agency, and stay grounded in your why.

If you are part of the adoption ecosystem social worker, policy maker, or community member, let us begin to question our assumptions and build a system where all qualified, loving adults are welcomed and supported.

If you are a single man seeking to adopt or need help navigating this complex path, reach out via charistouch.worldwide@gmail.com.