Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Ghana to Ireland
For families bringing someone home to Ireland. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Ghana to Ireland: what to expect
Ghana has a significant Irish-Ghanaian diaspora and is a well-established repatriation corridor. Documentation is in English throughout. Death registration runs through the Births and Deaths Registry of Ghana.
- Key document: Ghanaian death certificate (Births and Deaths Registry, in English)
- Documentation takes 7-21 days. Documentation is in English throughout.
- Irish Embassy in Accra registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Ghana to Ireland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Irish Embassy Accra: via Dept of Foreign Affairs +353 1 408 2000.
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
Irish Embassy Accra notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides 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
Air cargo from Kotoka International Airport (ACC) to Dublin (DUB)
Once all documentation complete. KLM via AMS or Emirates via DXB.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Irish funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
How repatriation from Ghana to Ireland works
Call 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 for international repatriations.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Ghana to Ireland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Ghana to Ireland takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases involving police investigation can take 4-8 weeks.
The Births and Deaths Registry of Ghana is the official government body responsible for registering all deaths. Death must be registered with the Registry before any repatriation process can begin. The Registry issues the official death certificate in English.
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.
The Irish Embassy in Accra can register the death with Irish authorities, provide a list of local funeral directors, and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000.
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Ghanaian documentation is in English and typically accepted directly. The Coroner is involved only where the death abroad was unnatural, and may then order a post-mortem. Straightforward cases proceed to funeral arrangements without delay.
Yes. Cremation in Ghana and bringing ashes home to Ireland is an option. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export permit.
In Ireland
When the body arrives in Ireland
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Ghanaian documentation is in English and typically accepted directly. The Coroner is involved only where the death abroad was unnatural, and may then order a post-mortem. Straightforward cases proceed to funeral arrangements without delay.
Consular support
Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000. The Irish Embassy in Accra can register the death and advise.
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 Ireland.
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