Preparing for your notarial appointment

Before the appointment

• Know who will receive the document and what they require — notarisation only, or notarisation followed by legalisation for use abroad.
• Have the document ready, but unsigned. You will sign it in the notary's presence. If you would like the notary to draft an affidavit, statutory declaration or power of attorney, say so in your request.
• Check names and details: spelling of names, ID numbers, dates and addresses should match your identification documents.
• Ask whether a witness is needed. Some documents have their own witnessing rules. Under the Powers of Attorney Act, 1998 (Act 549), for example, a power of attorney signed by the donor must be attested by one witness, and one signed on the donor's behalf by two.

What to bring

• Original, valid photo identification (Ghana Card or passport) for every person signing.
• The document to be notarised, complete with all pages and attachments.
• Originals of any document to be certified as a true copy.
• For companies and institutions: evidence of the signatory's authority, such as a board resolution, and company documents where relevant.
• Any supporting documents referred to in a declaration or affidavit.

At the appointment

Expect the notary to check your identity, read through the document with you and confirm that you understand it and are signing voluntarily. These are legal duties: under the Notaries Public Act, 1960 (Act 26), a notary must refuse to act where the circumstances appear suspicious. A statutory declaration, for instance, may only be taken from a person voluntarily making it (Statutory Declarations Act, 1971 (Act 389), section 4).

Fees and payment

• Fees are published on this website, and the request form shows an indicative estimate. The final fee is confirmed before your appointment.
• Extra seals beyond the third, urgent same-day service, on-site attendance, transport and government fees are charged in addition, where applicable.
• Payment is made by bank transfer, Mobile Money or cash, and the notarised document is released once payment is confirmed. An official receipt is issued.

This article is general information about the law and practice in Ghana as at October 2026. It is not legal advice. For advice on a particular matter, please consult a lawyer.