Who Can Adopt from Ghana
In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet the following requirements in order to adopt a child from Ghana:
Residency
Prospective adoptive parents must be resident in Ghana for a minimum of three months prior to the adoption of a child. The prospective adoptive parents may request a waiver of the residency requirement through the court. The courts may approve a waiver of the residency requirement with the recommendation of the Ministry of Social Welfare if it finds that to do so is in the best interests of the child.
Age of Adopting Parents
Adopting parents must be 25 years of age and at least 21 years older than the child.
Marriage
Generally, only married couples may adopt in Ghana. A single person may adopt only if that person is a citizen of Ghana. Single males may not adopt unless the child to be adopted is his child or the courts determine that special circumstances apply. Same-sex couples may not adopt from Ghana.
Income
Applicants must be gainfully employed.
Other
The Department of Social Welfare in Ghana requires that applicants must be of sound mind and must undergo a medical exam as part of the pre-approval process. Applicants must also prove their ability to care for a child that may be socially and culturally different from themselves and who may have experienced trauma due to family deaths, institutionalization, neglect, etc.
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