A representative of the Ghanaian embassy in Washington, DC stated that the date of registration of a birth is the date on which the birth is officially registered (24 Aug. 1994). The representative explained that this date is different from the date of birth, which is the date on which the person was born. The representative further stated that many Ghanaians find it unnecessary to register births until they apply for official travel documents like passports, at which time they are required to prove their date and place of birth (ibid.).

With regard to margin or column notes in a certified true copy of an entry in a register of births, the representative was unaware of such notes on a true copy of a birth register or birth certificate. He stated that only the district or regional office of the Department of Births and Deaths can issue true copies of originals of birth registers or certificates, and that they must contain the official seal of the department (ibid.). The representative was unable to provide further details because the embassy and its officials in Washington only handle issues relating to Ghanaian passports and the issuance of entry visas to Ghana. He stated that details on the registration of births could be obtained from the department's headquarters in Accra. The DIRB is unable to corroborate this information at the present time.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Embassy of Ghana, Washington, DC. 24 August 1994. Telephone interview with representative.