The Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) has issued a firm reminder to all registered enterprises in Ghana to submit their annual returns or renew their business names by June 30, 2025, to avoid the risk of being removed from the official register.
Maame Samma Peprah, the Acting Registrar of Companies, stated that this statutory reminder aligns with Section 126(1) of the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992) and the Business Name Act, 1962 (Act 151). This announcement represents the first significant directive from Peprah since she took office.
The ORC cautions that companies failing to comply, especially those neglecting to include financial statements, will be classified as non-compliant and may incur a penalty of GHS 1,000.
Furthermore, business names that are not renewed will be considered expired, enabling the Registrar to reallocate them to other individuals or entities.
The Registrar emphasizes that the objective is to enhance transparency and reinforce regulatory compliance within Ghana’s business sector.
Companies are obligated to file their annual returns within 18 months of their incorporation and subsequently on an annual basis. These returns must provide current information regarding company directors, shareholders, and financial statements, which are essential for assessing the financial and operational health of a business.
Non-compliance with these legal obligations will result in significant repercussions. Companies that delay their filings will incur fines of 25 penalty units for each day of default. Continued non-compliance may also result in deregistration, rendering it illegal for such companies to operate.
Additionally, businesses that neglect these responsibilities may encounter legal and financial difficulties, including challenges in securing credit or entering into formal agreements.
The ORC is urging all business owners—particularly private and public limited companies, companies limited by guarantee, external companies, and unlimited liability companies—to take this deadline seriously and ensure compliance without delay.
