A proposal introduced on April 30, 2026, is now taking shape in Ghana, where MPs have begun early-stage discussions on a bill that would make DNA testing mandatory for all newborns before birth certificates are issued.

The bill, championed by Member of Parliament Kwame Asare Obeng, outlines a structured approach aimed at addressing specific concerns around parentage and legal responsibility.

At the core of the proposal is the requirement that all newborns undergo DNA testing as part of the birth registration process. Under this framework, hospitals and maternity facilities would be required to conduct and verify biological parentage before issuing the necessary documentation for a birth certificate.

The objectives of the bill are clearly defined. It seeks to tackle cases of paternity fraud by establishing verified biological links at birth. It also aims to enforce parental accountability by ensuring that legal responsibility is assigned based on confirmed parentage.

In addition, the proposal is intended to reduce disputes that arise from uncertainty or misrepresentation of paternity within families.

The bill further introduces a related provision to criminalize paternity fraud. Under this measure, individuals found to have knowingly misrepresented paternity could face legal consequences, including penalties that may be defined through the legislative process.

In terms of implementation, the proposal places responsibility on healthcare institutions to carry out the testing process before a newborn is discharged. This would make DNA verification a standard procedural requirement tied directly to birth registration systems.

The bill remains in its early stages in Parliament and is expected to go through formal legislative processes, including review, debate, and potential amendments, before any decision on its adoption is reached.