Ask The Notary
Instant answers, before you book
Answer a few questions to find out which officer you need and whether your document must go further than the notary. Or search the common questions below.
Choosing your officer
Do I need a notary or a commissioner?
For affidavits, statutory declarations, copies, powers of attorney and other documents.
Documents going abroad
Notarisation only, or legalisation too?
For documents that may be used outside Ghana.
General guidance on Ghanaian law and practice as at October 2026, not legal advice. The written requirements of the court, embassy, bank or institution receiving your document always come first.
Common questions
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Do I sign my document before I come?
No. Bring it unsigned. You sign, swear or declare in the notary's presence, and the notary then completes the certificate. Read: Preparing for your appointment →
What identification do I need?
An original, valid, government-issued photo ID, such as your Ghana Card or passport, for every person signing. The name on the ID should match the name on the document. Read: Due diligence →
Can someone else bring my document to be notarised for me?
No. The person signing, swearing or declaring must appear before the notary in person. The Chief Justice has urged notaries not to notarise the signature of a person who has not appeared before them. Read: Due diligence →
Does the notary check that what my document says is true?
No. The notary answers for the act: who appeared, who signed, when, where and whether freely. You answer for the truth of the contents. But a notary who knows a statement is false, or finds the circumstances suspicious, must refuse to act. Read: The limits of a notary's duty →
What is the difference between an affidavit and a statutory declaration?
An affidavit is sworn for court proceedings, or where a law authorises one. For other purposes, such as a bank, registry or employer, the Statutory Declarations Act, 1971 (Act 389) provides for a statutory declaration. Read: Affidavit or statutory declaration? →
Does a notarised statutory declaration prove that I own land?
No. The Supreme Court has held that a statutory declaration is a self-serving document of no probative value where its facts are disputed, and that it does not by itself confer title. Read: The limits of a notary's duty →
Can a copy be certified without the original?
No. To certify a true copy, the notary must compare it with the original. Bring the original document with the copy. Read: The limits of a notary's duty →
Can I get an apostille for a Ghanaian document?
No. As at October 2026, Ghana is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents from Ghana for use abroad go through legalisation instead: notary, Judicial Service, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, then the embassy. Read: After the notary →
How much does Ministry attestation cost, and how long does it take?
In its 2025 public notice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration gave the fee as GH¢200 per document, paid in cash at its premises, and processing as five working days. These fees are separate from the notarial fee. Read: After the notary →
Are Judicial Service and Ministry fees included in your fee?
No. Government fees, including Judicial Service certification and Ministry legalisation fees, are billed separately as out-of-pocket expenses.
What happens if a notary refuses to act?
The notary must mark the refusal on the document, with a signature and the date (section 7, Notaries Public Act, 1960). A person aggrieved by the refusal may apply to the High Court for an order calling on the notary to act (section 6(2)). Read: The limits of a notary's duty →
How many witnesses does a power of attorney need?
Under section 1 of the Powers of Attorney Act, 1998 (Act 549), one witness where the donor signs, and two where someone signs on the donor's behalf in the donor's presence. Read: Powers of attorney in Ghana →
I live abroad. How do I swear an affidavit for use in Ghana?
Section 10 of the Oaths Act, 1972 (NRCD 6) allows an oath or affidavit for a court or matter in Ghana to be taken before anyone authorised to administer oaths where you are. Ghana's ambassadors, High Commissioners and consular officers abroad may also perform notarial acts (section 11). Read: Commissioner or notary? →
Can the date or place on my affidavit be changed?
No. The notary must state truly in the jurat the place and date on which the oath or affidavit is taken (section 6, Oaths Act, 1972). Courts have struck out affidavits whose jurat was untrue. Read: The limits of a notary's duty →
Do you come to my home or office?
Yes. On-site appointments are available anywhere in Ghana. An on-site fee is added to the base fee, and transport and related costs are charged in addition. Request an appointment →
How much will my notarisation cost?
Fees are published on this website. The appointment request form shows an indicative estimate, and the final fee is confirmed before your appointment. See the fees →
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