ORC gives companies until June 30 to file annual returns or risk deletion

The Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) has issued a strong reminder to all registered businesses in Ghana to file their annual returns or renew their business names by June 30, 2025—or risk being delisted from the official register.

According to the Acting Registrar of Companies, Maame Samma Peprah, this statutory reminder is in line with Section 126(1) of the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992) and the Business Name Act, 1962 (Act 151). This marks the first major directive from Samma Peprah since assuming office.

The ORC warns that companies that fail to comply, particularly those that do not attach financial statements, will be deemed non-compliant and could face a penalty of GHS 1,000.

In addition, business names that are not renewed will be considered lapsed, allowing the Registrar to reassign them to other individuals or entities.

The Registrar maintains that the goal is to promote transparency and strengthen regulatory compliance within Ghana’s business environment.

Companies are required to file their annual returns within 18 months of incorporation and then once every year thereafter. These returns must include up-to-date information such as company directors, shareholders, and financial statements. This helps determine the financial and operational status of a business.

Failure to comply with these legal requirements will come with serious consequences. Companies that delay filing will be fined 25 penalty units for each day they default. Persistent non-compliance may also lead to deregistration, effectively making it illegal for such companies to operate.

Additionally, businesses that fail to meet these obligations may face legal and financial challenges, including difficulties in accessing credit or entering into formal contracts.

The ORC is urging all business owners—especially private and public limited companies, companies limited by guarantee, external companies, and unlimited liability companies to treat the deadline seriously and comply without delay.