Apostille Services for Ghana Police Clearance Certificate

Before being hired or granted a visa, most countries require that you be crimeless. When you come from Ghana or have spent time there, you may be asked to present a Ghana Police Clearance Certificate.

Not only do many countries ask for a legalization stamp; they may also need the document to be apostilled.

In this article, we will teach you all about the apostille process for a Ghana Police Clearance Certificate, mainly if you are applying from another country like India.

In addition, you will find out how private authorized fingerprinting and PCC service provider RealScan Biometrics simplifies and speeds up the entire process.

What is a Ghana Police Clearance Certificate?

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from Ghana is an official document issued by the Ghana Police Service (CID Headquarters). It certifies whether you have any criminal background during your stay in Ghana. It is commonly required for:

• Employment abroad
• Immigration and permanent residency
• International adoption
• Study visa applications
• Marriage abroad or other legal matters

What is an Apostille, and Why is it Needed?

An apostille is a form of international document authentication accepted by countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. It confirms that the document (in this case, your PCC) is genuine and legally valid for use in another country.

Countries like the USA, UK, Australia, and EU members often ask for a Ghana PCC with an apostille to ensure the document’s authenticity.

When Do You Need an Apostille for a Ghana PCC?

You need an apostille when:

• The foreign authority specifically requests an apostille PCC.
• You are applying for immigration, employment, or higher education in a Hague Convention member country.
• You want your certificate to be legally recognized without further legalization.

How to Get an Apostille for a Ghana Police Clearance Certificate: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Apply for the Police Clearance Certificate.

You can apply through:

• CID Headquarters, Ghana Police Service (if you are in Ghana)
• Ghanaian embassies abroad (if you are overseas)
• A private agency like RealScan Biometrics (if you are in India)

Documents required:

• Valid passport copy
• Fingerprint card
• Completed application form
• Passport-sized photos
• Reason for request (e.g., immigration, visa)

Step 2: Receive the Original Certificate

Once issued, the PCC must be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ghana for apostille. This is where the actual authentication process begins.

Step 3: Apostille the Document

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration (MOFARI) in Accra is the only authorized office to provide apostille services for Ghana-issued documents. The process involves:

• Verifying the authenticity of the certificate
• Attaching the apostille sticker or stamp
• Returning the legalized certificate to the applicant

This step is often tricky for applicants who are not physically in Ghana.

RealScan Biometrics: Your Hassle-Free Solution

If you are based in India or anywhere outside Ghana, going through the Ghana PCC and apostille process on your own can be complicated. RealScan Biometrics offers expert help to make the process seamless.

Here’s how RealScan helps:

• Fingerprinting services that meet Ghana Police standards
• Coordination with the Ghana Police Service to apply on your behalf
• Collection and secure handling of documents
• Apostille services through trusted partners in Ghana
• End-to-end support, including tracking and delivery

By outsourcing to a reliable private agency like RealScan, you avoid delays, rejections, and paperwork confusion.

Processing Time

PCC Issuance: Usually 2 to 3 weeks from the Ghana Police

Apostille Time: Another 5 to 7 working days via the Ministry

Courier & Submission: 5–10 days (international delivery)

Total Estimated Time: 3 to 5 weeks, depending on your location and application route

FAQs: Ghana Police Clearance Apostille Services

Q. Can I get the apostille done if I’m not in Ghana?

A. Yes. Agencies like RealScan Biometrics can handle the entire process remotely through their Ghana-based partners.

Q. Is an apostille mandatory for my Ghana PCC?

A. It depends on the country you are submitting it to. Many immigration authorities from Hague Convention countries require it.

Q. What if my PCC is rejected due to fingerprint issues?

A. RealScan ensures your fingerprints meet Ghana Police standards to avoid rejection or delays.

Q. Can I submit scanned documents?

A. No. Apostilles must be done on original documents, not photocopies or scans.

Q. What’s the difference between apostille and attestation?

A. An Apostille is accepted in Hague countries; attestation is used for non-Hague countries like UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

Read More

Ghana Police Clearance Certificate FAQs

Final Thoughts

An apostilled Ghana Police Clearance Certificate verifies your integrity abroad and is essential when you travel.

Handling it correctly means it won’t add unnecessary stress to your documentation process.

Your data stays safe and secure, and there’s no need for you to worry about administrative tasks when you use RealScan Biometrics.

So, if you need a Ghana PCC with Apostille, contact RealScan Biometrics today and let us simplify your background check process for immigration, employment, or studies abroad.