Adoption in Ghana is a legal and carefully regulated process overseen by the Department of Social Welfare (DSW) and the Central Adoption Authority (CAA) under the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection. As of 2025, Ghana is strengthening domestic and international adoption procedures to protect children’s rights and ensure ethical, child-centered placements.
This guide is for prospective domestic and international adoptive parents seeking to understand the adoption process in Ghana.
- Key Authorities and Legal Framework
Central Adoption Authority (CAA)
The CAA is the national body overseeing all adoptions in Ghana. It ensures compliance with:
• The Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560)
• The Adoption Regulations, 2022 (L.I. 2488)
• The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption, which Ghana ratified in 2016
Department of Social Welfare (DSW)
DSW manages:
• Adoption assessments
• Child matching
• Court documentation
• Post-placement monitoring
Licensed Adoption Agencies
Only agencies licensed and approved by the CAA may facilitate adoption. These agencies work alongside the DSW and offer support services.
- Who Can Adopt in Ghana?
Eligibility Criteria (Domestic and International):
• Minimum age: 25 years
• At least 21 years older than the child
• Married couples must adopt jointly unless legally separated
• Single applicants may adopt under special circumstances
• Must be of sound mind, financially stable, and free from criminal convictions
• Must complete an Adoption Home Study Assessment
Note: Preference is given to Ghanaian citizens and residents before considering intercountry placements.
- Types of Adoption Recognized in Ghana
• Domestic Adoption: Adoptive parent(s) and child both reside in Ghana.
• Intercountry Adoption: Adoptive parent(s) live outside Ghana and seek to adopt a child from Ghana.
• Relative/Kinship Adoption: Adoption of a known or related child.
• Foster-to-Adopt (New in 2025): Allows approved foster parents to adopt a child they have fostered, after a set period.
- The Adoption Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Initial Inquiry and Counselling
• Contact the DSW or a licensed adoption agency
• Attend mandatory pre-adoption counselling
Step 2: Submission of Documents
Required documents include:
• Completed application form
• Birth certificates and national IDs
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Police clearance and medical reports
• Proof of income and accommodation
• Passport photographs
Step 3: Home Study Assessment
Conducted by DSW or an approved social worker. It evaluates:
• Emotional readiness
• Parenting capacity
• Home environment
• Motivation for adoption
Step 4: Matching and Placement
• The CAA matches the child with prospective parents
• A care and supervision order is granted for a minimum of 3 months
• The child is placed under the applicant’s care with supervision
Step 5: Legalization and Court Approval
• After the supervision period, DSW recommends adoption
• The case proceeds to the Family Court
• If approved, an adoption order is issued
Step 6: Post-Adoption Monitoring
• Mandatory post-placement visits by social workers for 2 years
• International adoptive parents must submit periodic welfare reports
- Cost of Adoption in Ghana
Adoption in Ghana is not-for-profit. Fees apply only for administrative, legal, and assessment services.
Approximate costs include:
• Home study assessment: GHS 1,500–2,500
• Court processing and legal fees: GHS 2,000–5,000
• Counseling and placement: GHS 1,000+
Note: No payment is allowed for the child. Illegal payments or coercion invalidate the process. Fees by adoption agencies may differ and may be more expensive than going through the DSW.
- Recent Changes in 2025
• Mandatory Counseling Services: Pre- and post-adoption counseling is now required by law.
• Digital Filing System: The CAA now uses a centralized online portal for document tracking and transparency.
• Foster-to-Adopt Option: Eligible foster parents can adopt after 6–12 months of supervised care.
• Community Oversight Units: New local bodies monitor the wellbeing of adopted children and assist with reintegration if needed.
- Cautions and Ethical Reminders
• Do not attempt to adopt outside legal channels or through informal arrangements.
• Avoid “direct placements” or private handovers without DSW involvement.
• Ensure the child is legally declared adoptable by the CAA.
- Contact Points and Support
To Begin the Process or Ask Questions:
Department of Social Welfare (National Headquarters)
Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
Tel: +233 (0)302 688 181
Email: info@gender.gov.gh
CharisTouch Support Services (for guidance, support, and referrals)
Email: charistouch.worldwide@gmail.com
- Support Services Available
• Pre-adoption counseling and workshops
• Adoption consultant services
• Parenting classes and trauma-informed care training
• Peer support groups for adoptive parents
Adopting a child is a lifelong commitment rooted in love, healing, and responsibility. Ghana’s adoption system is evolving to place the best interest of the child first. Whether you are a Ghanaian or an international applicant, this guide is your roadmap to pursuing adoption with integrity, compassion, and legal compliance.
