The Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) has issued a firm directive to all businesses operating in Ghana, urging them to file their annual returns or renew their business names by June 30, 2025. Failure to comply could result in companies being struck off the official register.
This announcement, delivered by Acting Registrar of Companies Maame Samma Peprah, marks her first major compliance initiative since taking office. The directive is in accordance with Section 126(1) of the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992) and the Business Name Act, 1962 (Act 151).
The ORC stressed that companies failing to submit annual returns, especially those omitting required financial statements, will be classified as non-compliant and subjected to penalties of GHS 1,000. For business names, failure to renew registrations will lead to their expiration, freeing them up for reassignment to other parties.
The move is part of the ORC’s broader effort to enhance transparency, accountability, and regulatory discipline within the corporate sector. Under the law, companies are required to file their annual returns within 18 months of incorporation and subsequently on a yearly basis. These filings must include updated details on directors, shareholders, and financial performance.
Non-compliance carries steep consequences, including a fine of 25 penalty units for each day of default, potential deregistration, and restrictions on business operations. Companies that fail to meet these obligations may also encounter legal, financial, and reputational risks, such as difficulties in securing credit or entering into formal agreements.
The ORC is calling on all registered entities, including private and public limited companies, companies limited by guarantee, external companies, and unlimited liability companies, to treat this deadline as a matter of urgency and ensure full compliance.
