What to do if someone dies in Ghana

Ghana is a Commonwealth country with established consular links to the UK. Documentation is in English throughout. British Airways operates direct flights from Accra to Heathrow. These factors make Ghana more accessible than many other West African repatriations, though the Ghana Health Service export permit process still takes time.

Step 1: Notify the British High Commission Accra

The British High Commission in Accra must be notified as soon as possible. Address: Julius Nyerere Link, Accra. Phone: +233 30 221 3250. FCDO 24-hour emergency: +44 1908 516666.

Note: Ghana is a Commonwealth country. The representative office is a High Commission, not an Embassy. Consular services are equivalent.

Step 2: Births, Deaths and Marriages Registry

Deaths are registered at the Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) Registry in the district where the death occurred. The certified death certificate from the BDM Registry is the primary document. Hospital deaths are typically registered within 24 to 48 hours. For deaths at tourist sites or in remote areas, the local police notify the relevant BDM office.

Step 3: Ghana Police Service investigation (unnatural deaths)

For any unnatural or suspicious death, the Ghana Police Service investigates. The police report is required before the Ghana Health Service will process the export permit. In straightforward accident cases, a police report can be completed in three to five days. Complex investigations take longer.

Step 4: Transfer to Accra (if necessary)

Post-mortem for complex or investigated cases is conducted at the Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra. For deaths in Kumasi, Cape Coast, or the northern regions, the body must be transferred to Accra. Cold storage outside Accra is limited. Transfer should be arranged within 24 to 48 hours.

Step 5: Ghana Health Service export permit

The Ghana Health Service issues the export permit. Required documents: BDM Registry death certificate, police report (if applicable), post-mortem report (if applicable), embalming certificate, freedom from contagious disease certificate. Allow three to seven days for the permit once all other documents are complete.

Step 6: Embalming

Embalming is required for international repatriation. Licensed mortuaries in Accra carry out the procedure. Several are experienced with the cargo requirements of British Airways.

Step 7: Routing to the UK

Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra is served by British Airways with direct cargo flights to London Heathrow. This is the standard routing. Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa is an alternative. Source: FCDO guidance on death in Ghana; Ghana Registration Service Act 2020; Ghana Health Service export procedures; British High Commission Accra guidance (2023).