Ghana

Flag_of_GhanaThe Ghana program is open.    

On January 1, 2017, the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-Operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Convention) entered into force for Ghana. 

Eligibility of Applicants

  • Couples must be married.
  • Applicants must be between 25 and 50 years at the time of application
  • Applicants over 50 years old are considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Applicants must be at least 21 years older than the adoptive child.
  • Single applicants can only apply if they are Ghanian in background.

Children in the Program: Most children placed for adoption are age 4 to teens and some sibling groups are available.

Wait Times to Adopt: From the time Family by Adoption sends your dossier to Ghana, it may take approximately 12– 24 months to complete the adoption in Ghana.

Travel: Applicants are required to travel to Ghana for approximately 5 months. Both parents must be present to meet the child, do the transition stage of one month with the child and attend court which totals about 2 months. One parent can return home, and the other parent can manage the remainder of the process in Ghana.

The immigration process follows the finalization of the adoption, and this is the entire responsibility of the adoptive parents who will sponsor their adopted child to come to Canada. The immigration process after adoption will take another 6 – 12+ months and is managed through the Canadian High Commission in Accra.  Family by Adoption has no authority over or within the immigration process.

There is an uncertain timeframe associated with immigration. This factor must be taken into account for any applicant who is considering adoption from Ghana. Please consult the current IRCC guidelines on wait times for the processing of citizenship/permanent residency for an adopted child.

Costs: Program costs do not include travel and accommodation overseas. Please see Summary Chart and contact our office to receive the Schedule of Services and Fees.