The Registrar of Births and Deaths, Samuel Adom Botchway, has cautioned journalists and members of the public against attempts to alter their ages through the registry, describing the practice as unethical and unlawful.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Botchway revealed that many Ghanaians, including some journalists, have approached the registry seeking to change their official ages for personal or professional reasons.

“Ghanaians can be troublesome. Sometimes people apply for new birth certificates just to change their age. People try to twist their age all the time,” he said.

He noted that although the registry is open to helping citizens resolve genuine registration issues, his office would not tolerate falsification of records.

“I am ready to assist in resolving all registration challenges, but when you come to me to change your age, I will not do it,” he stressed. “Even if you are my friend or a journalist, I won’t do it. We must all help build the nation.”

Mr. Botchway further stated that 90% of the errors blamed on Births and Deaths Registry officers are caused by applicants themselves, often due to misinformation or deliberate manipulation.

He emphasised the importance of protecting the integrity of birth certificates, describing them as vital documents that form the foundation of a person’s national identity.

“A birth certificate is a very important document. It is your identity as a Ghanaian and a prime form of identification. My staff and I will do our part, but collectively, we must ensure the right thing is done,” he added.