Exploring Surrogacy in Ghana & Uganda
A comprehensive overview of surrogacy in Ghana & Uganda with insights from experts and real-life experiences from surrogates and intended parents
Ghana is a developing country with emerging surrogacy programs for those from the diaspora. Offering both traditional and gestational surrogacy, Ghana’s surrogacy programs are affordable but it is important to understand that IVF techniques are basic and surrogacy is not a generally accepted concept in Ghanian culture. In this guide, we’ll explore surrogacy laws, costs, medical facilities, and what intended parents can expect.
Surrogacy in Ghana has been practiced since at least 2017, with clients typically coming from neighbouring African countries, as well as some from western nations. Ghana offers both gestational and traditional surrogacy, with local egg donors and the option to import embryos or donor eggs from other countries. Intended parents can take advantage of Ghana’s relatively quick surrogate and donor match times.
How Does Surrogacy
in Ghana Work?
Surrogacy in Ghana is governed by a basic legal framework. It has competitive costs and efficient matching processes. The legal provisions, include the possibility of pre-birth parental orders. Most Ghanian surrogates are housed in supervised accommodation during the pregnancy, away from their own families. Contact with intended parents can be limited.
Who can build a family in Ghana?
Married heterosexual couples
Singles
Legal Framework for Surrogacy in Ghana
Ghana has a clear legal process for surrogacy. Under Section 22 of Ghana’s Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 2020, intended parents can apply for a pre-birth parental order. This application must be submitted within 12 weeks of embryo transfer and completed by 28 weeks after the order is granted. NOTE: This pre-birth process is not always reliable, and you may require significant extra time in Ghana post-birth.
Legal recognition for intended parents
Pre-birth orders for parental rights
Regulated compensation for surrogates
Surrogacy Costs in Ghana
CostS ranges from USD 30,000 to USD 58,400, depending on the program type and services offered. This includes surrogate compensation, IVF treatment, birth costs and medical care.
Surrogate Compensation: Ghanian surrogates are compensated between GHS 50,000 and GHS 120,000, depending on the program. IVF Costs in Ghana: IVF treatments vary in cost depending on the clinic, but generally, Ghana offers competitive pricing compared to Western countries.
COSTS RANGE FROM
USD 30,000
TO
USD 58,000
Surrogate & Donor Match Times
Surrogates and donor are readily available in Ghana, with match times of 2 -4 weeks.
Egg donors in Ghana are local women, though eggs from other cultural groups can be imported from Europe at additional cost.
MATCH TIMES
2- to 4-week
Exit Procedures for Newborns
The time required to obtain travel documents for newborns depends on the nationality of the intended parents. Post-birth, families can expect to wait anywhere from 4 to 16 weeks to complete all necessary documentation for international travel.
EXIT PROCEDURES
4- to 16-week
Quality of Care in Ghana
Hospitals and Medical Care
IVF and hospital care in Ghana vary significantly in terms of quality and cost. Surrogacy births generally take place in private hospitals with better facilities. The less expensive IVF clinics and hospitals are often located an hour outside of Accra.
Surrogacy Providers in Ghana
Ghana’s surrogacy providers, particularly those based in Accra, offer full-service programs covering IVF, donors, surrogate matching, screening, care and accommodation.
WARNING: We have observed that IVF Facilities in Ghana do not have comparable results to other countries like the USA or Canada. If you’re exploring Ghana, consider hybrid programs. Reach out to us to learn more.
Summary : Surrogacy in Ghana?
Ghana may be a more appropriate option for intended parents from the African diaspora, given the difference in cultures and the large economic disparity between surrogates and intended parents. Just because its legal, does not mean it is going to be a smooth process or provide the surrogate relationship you are looking for.
Economic & Political Stability
Ghana is known for its political stability and steady economic growth. With nearly 35 million inhabitants, it is West Africa’s second-most populous country, and its capital, Accra, serves as the hub of economic and political activity. As one of Africa’s most stable democracies, Ghana ranked fifth for political stability in the 2012 Fragile States Index, and it is among the least corrupt countries in the region. These factors offer reassurance to intended parents, knowing that Ghana’s legal and political climate supports a reliable surrogacy framework.
Culture
Ghana is home to a vibrant and diverse culture. English is the official language, making communication easy for many international visitors. The majority of Ghanaians (71%) are Christians, which shapes much of the cultural landscape and social environment.
Ghanaian cuisine is another highlight, featuring a variety of soups and stews made with seafood, meat, poultry, and vegetables. For sports enthusiasts, football is the most popular sport in the country.
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Attitudes Toward Surrogacy in Ghana
Despite the availability of surrogacy services, attitudes toward surrogacy remain conservative. Similar to other countries like Colombia and Georgia, many surrogates in Ghana choose not to disclose their surrogacy work to friends or family due to concerns over judgment. This conservatism extends to the discreet nature of surrogacy agencies, which often operate without public signage.
Surrogates typically live away from their families during the pregnancy, staying in dedicated housing where they receive meals and supervision.
Ready to
Start Your Journey?
If you’re interested in learning more about surrogacy and how we can support your family-building goals, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through every step of the process.