How to Register a Company in Ghana: Step-by-Step at the RGD

Registering a company in Ghana is now significantly faster than it used to be, thanks to the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) online portal. What once took weeks can now be done in days. But preparation is key — having the wrong documents or information means delays. Here's the complete, current process.

Choosing Your Structure First

Before registering, confirm you want a private limited company (the most common choice). Other options include:

• Business name registration (for sole traders)
• General or limited partnership
• Company limited by guarantee (for NGOs)
• External company (for foreign companies operating in Ghana)

Use our free Business Structure Finder if you're unsure.

Step 1: Name Search and Reservation

Check your desired company name is available — at the ORC portal (orcghana.com) or in person. Names must:

• Not be identical or very similar to an existing registered name
• Not be misleading about the company's activities
• Not contain restricted words (e.g., "bank", "insurance", "government" without approval)
• End in "Limited" or "Ltd" for private limited companies

Reserve the name (valid for 90 days) while you prepare documents. Fee: GHS 50–100.

Step 2: Prepare the Regulations (Articles of Association)

The company's Regulations (formerly called Memorandum and Articles of Association) govern how the company is run. You can use the ORC's model regulations or have a lawyer draft custom regulations. For most small businesses, model regulations with minor amendments are sufficient.

The Regulations must specify: the company's objects/purpose, share capital, directors' powers, and other governance matters.

Step 3: Gather Required Information

• Full names, residential addresses, nationalities, and occupations of all directors (minimum 2 directors required)
• Full names, addresses, and shareholdings of all shareholders
• Ghana Card numbers (or passport numbers for foreign directors)
• Registered office address in Ghana
• Company secretary name and details (mandatory under Act 992)
• Initial share capital amount

Step 4: Online Registration at ORC Portal

1. Create an account at orcghana.com
2. Complete the company registration application form
3. Upload: signed Regulations, director IDs, shareholder IDs
4. Pay registration fees online (GHS 200–1,000 depending on share capital)
5. Submit application

Step 5: Review and Approval

The ORC reviews your application. Common reasons for rejection:

• Name conflict with existing company
• Incomplete Regulations
• Missing director information
• Restricted activity without requisite licence

If approved, the Certificate of Incorporation is issued — typically within 1–5 working days for complete applications.

After Registration: Immediate Next Steps

1. Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from GRA
2. Register with SSNIT if you'll have employees
3. Open a business bank account (requires certificate of incorporation, resolutions, director IDs)
4. Register for VAT if applicable
5. Obtain any sector-specific licences required for your business
6. Register with GIPC if you have foreign shareholders

Fees Summary

• Name reservation: GHS 50–100
• Registration (based on share capital): GHS 200–1,000+
• Legal fees if using a lawyer: GHS 1,000–5,000
• Total (DIY): GHS 300–1,200
• Total (with lawyer): GHS 2,000–8,000

Use our free Business Structure Finder before starting your registration. Read about directors' duties and tax obligations after registration.