Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Canada to Ghana
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Repatriation from Canada to Ghana: what to expect
Canada hosts a substantial Ghanaian-Canadian community, with nationals concentrated in Toronto, Ottawa, and Calgary working in healthcare, construction, and professional services. The Ghanaian High Commission in Ottawa is fully operational. When a Ghanaian national dies in Canada and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Ghana, the death is registered with the provincial civil registration authority. Ghana is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication through the Ghanaian High Commission in Ottawa is required. Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention in November 2024. (Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025; Global Affairs Canada, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English or French)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the provincial civil registration authority promptly.
- Ghana Embassy in Ottawa can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Ghana
When the body arrives in Ghana
The Ghanaian funeral director takes custody at Kotoka International Airport Accra (ACC) cargo terminal. The Births and Deaths Registry (BDR) under the Registrar General's Department handles death registration. Ministry of Health clearance is required before final disposition. Ghana is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular authentication through the Ghanaian High Commission or Embassy in the country of origin is required. English is Ghana's official language, which simplifies documentation from English-speaking origin countries. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport. (Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
The Ghanaian High Commission or Embassy in Ottawa can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Ghana. Ghana is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication through the High Commission in Ottawa is required. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Canada
Call 911 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician or medical examiner. The death is registered with the provincial civil registration authority. The coroner or medical examiner takes jurisdiction for sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths. Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention; it entered into force in November 2024.
Step by step
Timeline: Canada to Ghana
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 911 for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the provincial civil registration authority. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner or medical examiner) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Ghana Embassy in Ottawa notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Ghana
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Ghana funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Canada to Ghana
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Canada to Ghana takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases can take 6-12 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the provincial civil registration authority promptly. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner or medical examiner) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Ghana Embassy in Ottawa can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Ghana Embassy in Ottawa as soon as possible after the death.
Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner or medical examiner) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Ghanaian funeral director takes custody at Kotoka International Airport Accra (ACC) cargo terminal. The Births and Deaths Registry (BDR) under the Registrar General's Department registers the death. Ministry of Health clearance is required before final disposition. Ghana is not a Hague Apostille member; full consular authentication through the Ghanaian High Commission or Embassy in the origin country is required. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
Cremation in Canada is widely available in all provinces. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Canada, please do not face this alone. Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing them home to Ghana.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official guidance on a death in Canada (gov.uk) · Canada repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions