Accra: Mr. Samuel Adom Botchway, the Acting Registrar of the Births and Deaths Registry (BDR), has announced advanced plans to construct new office complexes for all 16 regions in Ghana, including the National Headquarters. The initiative aims to provide the necessary logistics to enhance efficiency and working conditions nationwide.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Botchway made this revelation during a one-day workshop for district registrars in the Volta Region focused on Document Fraud and Awareness. He stated that all paperwork, funding, and planning have been finalized, paving the way for construction to commence soon. The project also includes the procurement of over 300 motorcycles and vehicles to improve staff mobility and service delivery.
Mr. Botchway acknowledged that logistical challenges and inadequate office spaces have historically hindered the Registry’s operations. He emphasized ongoing efforts to modernize and digitize their operations across the country, stating, “Within two months of assuming office, I have mobilized efforts to ensure that every region-including the National Office-has a permanent and befitting workplace.”
One of Mr. Botchway’s top priorities is to address the widespread rejection of Ghanaian birth certificates by foreign embassies due to authenticity concerns. He expressed the goal of making the Ghanaian birth certificate a robust and credible identification document both in Africa and globally.
The Registrar highlighted the importance of strong IT infrastructure, revealing initiatives to upgrade existing systems, digitize offices, and establish a backup and data recovery site to protect national records. “We are in a digital age. Our systems must be solid and resilient. My goal is to make BDR’s IT system one of the most secure in West Africa,” he added.
Additionally, Mr. Botchway outlined an innovative approach to allow people to access birth records across districts, regardless of their place of birth. He explained, “If someone was born in Accra but now lives in Ho, they should not have to travel back. We want a system where records can be accessed and processed seamlessly across the country.”
Concerns were also raised about the low death registration rate, which stands at approximately 38 percent. Mr. Botchway attributed this to cultural beliefs and religious practices and emphasized the need for public education on the importance of death registration.
Ongoing discussions with the Minister for Local Government aim to involve Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in driving public education and increasing compliance. “This is why the Registry has ceded its district offices to the Local Government Service, so assemblies can play a direct role in overseeing this function,” he noted.
Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, praised the initiative and confirmed his commitment to securing a modern office complex for the regional BDR office. He highlighted the importance of the BDR in economic planning, legal identification, national security, and development.
The training and reform agenda by the Births and Deaths Registry signifies a renewed commitment to enhancing identity systems, combating document fraud, and improving data for national development.
