Ghana Company Registration Requirements

U.S. companies seeking to register to operate in Ghana may want to consider a professional legal advisor or accountant to ensure that they comply with the latest requirements. A list of providers can be found on CS Ghana’s Business Service Providers’ list. 

Steps to register a company in Ghana

First, companies need to comply with Registrar General’s Department (RGD) requirements. This includes: 
•    Choosing a business structure (often this is an “external company” or branch of a foreign company), in the case of non-Ghanaian companies.  
•    Reserving a company name by conducting a name search to ensure uniqueness and reserving it on the RGD website or at the physical offices. 
•    Obtain Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

Second, companies should register with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to pay taxes. 
•    Prepare incorporation documents such as the company constitution, details of directors, shareholders, etc., beneficial ownership declaration, and proof of registered office address.
•    Pay Fees & Stamp Duty.  Fees vary by entity type, and the stamp duty is based on stated capital.
•    Obtain Certificate of Incorporation and Certificate to Commence Business (for companies limited by shares). 
•    Register for VAT if annual turnover exceeds GHS 200,000.
•    Register with the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) if hiring employees.
•    File annual returns with RGD.

Additionally, foreign companies have to comply with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Requirements.  Under the GIPC Act, 2013 (Act 865), businesses with foreign participation must register with GIPC before commencing operations.  Any enterprise with foreign ownership, no matter how minimal, must register with GIPA before starting operations. Wholly foreign-owned companies and joint ventures with foreign ownership must register.  

At present, there are minimal foreign capital requirements for investment, including:
•    For Joint Venture (≥10% Ghanaian equity): $200,000.
•    For a Wholly Foreign-Owned entity (non-trading): $500,000.
•    For a trading enterprise: USD 1,000,000 + employs at least 20 Ghanaians.
Capital can be in cash or capital goods. 

The following documents are required for GIPC registration: Certificate of Incorporation (from RGD); Certified copy of Company Constitution; Form 3 (company particulars); Beneficial Ownership details; Evidence of minimum capital investment; and completed GIPC registration form. 

The fees for GIPC registration vary by business category.  In theory, GIPC registration ensures that companies benefit from various investment guarantees such as access to incentives (tax holidays, duty exemptions) and protection against expropriation. Foreign investment remains prohibited in the petty trading, taxi services with fewer than 25 vehicles, and small-scale mining sectors.

Pending Bill on Minimum Capital Requirements 

The Ghana Investment Promotion Authority bill pending in Ghana’s Parliament, proposes eliminating minimum capital requirements for joint ventures and wholly foreign-owned companies. It would maintain that requirement only for trading enterprises. This should provide potential investors and companies seeking to incorporate within Ghana with greater flexibility in determining their initial investment. Given that the bill is not yet approved as of February 2026, companies should seek legal counsel on how and when to proceed.

For more information about doing business in Ghana, please contact Office.Accra@trade.gov. Please click here to see Commercial Service Ghana’s other market intelligence reporting.