Renewing a Ghanaian Passport in the USA

Renewing a passport issued by the Republic of Ghana is a pretty simple process, even if you're not in your home country. It can be done by mail in the U.S., so you don't even need to make the trek to Ghana's embassy or consulate. Keep in mind, though, that you can only renew if you still have your previous passport. If it's lost, stolen, was eaten by raccoons or is otherwise unavailable, you have to provide more documentation and pay a significantly higher fee to replace a missing passport; this too can be done via mail in the U.S., though.

Download, print and complete the Ghana passport application from the Embassy of Ghana website. It asks for a variety of biographical detail, as well as some information about your parents and one grandparent. You also need to give names and contact information for two guarantors who can vouch for your identity. And a witness has to see you complete the form and sign it, as well.

You have to send in a few additional items when renewing a Ghanaian passport including your prior passport, which acts as your proof of identification and citizenship. The application requests a supporting document to demonstrate your profession, or write "N/A" if you're unemployed or don't have such a document. Also include four passport-sized photos of your entire head, straight on, with a plain white background, taken within the last six months. Have your witness affirm with a brief statement and signature on the back of one of the photos that it is in fact a picture of you. And, if you changed your name between passports, send a supporting legal document establishing the change.

Renewing a Ghanaian passport will cost you – over $100 even. Check the Embassy of Ghana website for the current fee. You can pay extra for expedited processing within three business days if you're traveling very soon or are particularly impatient and the standard processing of five to seven business days is too long. Pay the fee with a money order made out to the Embassy of Ghana.

If you happen to be in Washington D.C. or feel like making the trip, you can deliver your application in person to the Embassy of Ghana, located at 3512 International Dr. NW, Washington D.C. 20008. Drop-off times are Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to noon. But you can't pick up your passport during these same hours; instead, pickup times are Monday through Thursday, 1 to 3 p.m.

But, you probably just want to mail your passport renewal application. Send it – with all the supporting documentation and the money order – to the same place. Also, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with sufficient postage to mail you the new passport. The Embassy of Ghana requests that this prepaid envelope be from the USPS, UPS or FedEx and have tracking set up.