After the wedding, a new bride may find that her bank, employer, passport and phone company all know her by her old name. Changing a name takes paperwork, patience and planning.
The choices
Women in Ghana and Nigeria have different options. Some take the husband’s surname fully. Some keep their maiden name, especially if they have a professional reputation. Many combine both, using a double-barrelled name or keeping the maiden name as a middle name. There is no single legal requirement to change.
Start with the marriage certificate
The marriage certificate is the key document for most name changes. Keep several certified copies. For customary marriages, register the marriage to obtain a certificate.
Gazette or affidavit
In Ghana, name changes are often supported by a statutory declaration and publication in the Ghana Gazette. In Nigeria, people often swear an affidavit and publish a notice of change of name in a newspaper. Institutions may ask for these documents alongside the marriage certificate.
Update identity documents
Update your national identity card, the Ghana Card through the National Identification Authority or the National Identification Number in Nigeria, then your passport. Many other institutions will ask for these first.
Banks and finances
Visit your bank with your marriage certificate, updated ID and any gazette or affidavit. Update mobile money accounts, pension and insurance records.
Work and professional bodies
Inform your employer’s human resources department. Professionals such as doctors, lawyers and accountants should update their records with their professional bodies.
Other records
Update your phone registration, health insurance, tax records, social security and school or university records if needed.
Keep a list
Make a checklist of every institution you need to contact and tick them off. Keep copies of every document you submit.
Travel
If you plan to travel for your honeymoon soon after the wedding, book tickets in the name on your current passport. Changing your passport before travelling can cause problems if the new one is not ready.
Children
Couples should also discuss what surname their children will carry, especially if the wife keeps her maiden name. Birth registration will record the choice.
Take your time
There is no rush. Many brides change their name gradually over several months.
A name is part of identity. Whatever a bride chooses, the paperwork should follow her decision, not rush it.
