Madam Hannah Twumasi-Ankrah, Tema Municipal Registrar of Births and Deaths Registry cautioned the public on the provision of the law when she spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Tema.

"Act 301 of 1965 emphasizes that, it is an offence not to register births and deaths occurring within a district." Over the years, she explained, the Act has not been taken serious but after public education, it would be enforced.

The Municipal Registrar noted that, registration of births must be done within 21 days, while that of deaths should be registered within seven days of occurrence. However, she disclosd, a grace period of one year is given for new birth registration during, which is free of charge, thereafter a fine is collected.

She explained that, figures derived from registration of births and deaths are used by the government for the social and economic planning for the provision of schools, health facilities and other public amenities.

Madam Twumasi-Ankrah observed that, the country has reached a stage where one cannot be offered employment without a birth certificate. Without it, one cannot open a bank account and neither can one gain admission into certain institutions without a birth certificate.

She advised all to keep in mind the place and date of their birth registration as well as the entry number to enable them obtain copies of their birth certificates, should they misplace them.

The Municipal Registrar further cautioned that it was equally an offence to register more than once.

On death registration, she indicated that, it was as important as the birth registration, therefore, the general public should endeavour to register deaths.

She appealed to the Muslim community to ensure that, they register all deaths before burial.