Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Ghana to India
For families bringing someone home to India. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Ghana to India: what to expect
Ghanaian nationals in India include students at Indian universities, businesspeople, and diaspora residents. India and Ghana have bilateral ties and India provides development cooperation and technical assistance to Ghana through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme. English documentation from Ghana is generally understood by Indian authorities, though authentication by the Indian High Commission may be required. The Indian High Commission in Accra handles consular matters. (Indian Ministry of External Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: Ghanaian death certificate (Births and Deaths Registry, in English)
- Documentation takes 7-21 days. Police report required for unexpected deaths.
- India Embassy in Accra can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Ghana to India
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of India: +91 11 2301 2113).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered with Births and Deaths Registry of Ghana.
Documentation in English. Police report required for unexpected deaths.
Local funeral director and Births and Deaths Registry
Embassy or consulate notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. The embassy or consulate can provide a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
Embalming required for international repatriation.
Licensed local funeral director
Police report (if required) and all export permits obtained
Allow 7-21 days.
Local funeral director and authorities
Embassy or consulate notified
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
India funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
What happens after a death in Ghana
Call the police (191 or 112) for unexpected deaths. A doctor must certify the death. Death registered with the Births and Deaths Registry of Ghana. Documentation is in English throughout. Kotoka International Airport in Accra is the main cargo departure point.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Ghana to India
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Ghana to India takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases involving police investigation can take 4-8 weeks.
The core documents are: Ghanaian death certificate (Births and Deaths Registry), embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, police report (if required), and passport of the deceased. Documentation is in English throughout.
The India Embassy in Accra can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the India Embassy in Accra as soon as possible after the death.
The Births and Deaths Registry of Ghana is the official government body responsible for registering all deaths in Ghana. All deaths must be registered with the Registry before any funeral or repatriation process can begin. The Registry issues the official death certificate.
The Indian funeral director takes custody at the nearest international airport cargo terminal. The local civil registrar records the death under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act 1969. All foreign documents must be authenticated by the Indian Embassy in the origin country. State regulations govern burial or cremation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Yes. Cremation in Ghana and bringing the ashes home to India is an option. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export permit.
In India
When the body arrives in India
The Indian funeral director takes custody at the nearest international airport cargo terminal, commonly Indira Gandhi International (DEL, Delhi), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (BOM, Mumbai), or Kempegowda International (BLR, Bangalore). The local civil registrar records the death under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act 1969. State regulations govern burial or cremation. All foreign documents must be authenticated by the Indian Embassy or High Commission in the country of origin. Documents not in English or Hindi require certified English translation. (Indian Ministry of External Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Indian Embassy or High Commission in Accra can advise on documentation requirements and authenticate foreign certificates. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Indian Ministry of External Affairs 24-hour emergency: +91 11 2301 2113.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Ghana, 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 India.
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 Ghana (gov.uk) · Ghana repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions