Register in Ghana

Feasibility & Location Studies

Before setting up in Ghana, it is important to conduct a feasibility study and comparative research on the location of the investment to be established in Ghana. For a successful establishment in Ghana, it is also important to check during these studies the logistic infrastructures (road access, access to sea and air transport) which will determine the choice of the location as well as the connection to the utilities (electricity, water, sewerage). Finally, it is advisable to inquire about the providers of these various services necessary for the investment.

Register with the Office of the Registrar of Companies

The first step in setting up an investment in Ghana is registration with the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC). Incorporate a company at the ORC and obtain the following:

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These documents will be necessary for the following steps, notably your registration at the GIPC.

Requested Equity, Bank Account Opening

Requested Equity

Foreign investors are required to comply with the GIPC Act 2013 (Act 865) regarding minimum equ ity requirements either in cash or in capital goods relevant to the investment, or a combination of both.

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Business Bank Account

It is recommended to open 2 corporate accounts (foreign and local) with a local bank of your choice. Then effect a bank-to-bank transfer of minimum foreign equity requirement, which will be converted into local currency (Ghana Cedis). This transaction should be confirmed to the Bank of Ghana by the investor’s local authorized dealer bank.

Register with SSNIT

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The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) is a public trust. It manages Ghana’s Basic National Social Security Scheme and SSNIT Registration is Mandatory for all registered companies. Foreign investors who wish to register with SSNIT in Ghana must follow the guidelines and requirements set out by the institution.

Register with GIPC

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Under the GIPC Act 865 - 2013 all companies with foreign shareholdings must register with the GIPC as stipulated in article 23 of this act:

1) An enterprise in which foreign participation is permitted under this Act shall after its incorporation or registration and before commencement of operations be registered with the Centre.

2) The Centre shall within five working days from the date of receipt of a completed registration form register the enterprise if the Centre is satisfied that

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3) An enterprise in which foreign participation is permitted under this Act shall renew its registration with the Centre every two years.

Ghanaian companies can join the GIPC as stipulated in paragraph 25 of the GIPC Act:

An enterprise which is wholly owned by a Ghanaian

For wholly-owned Ghanaian companies, registration with the GIPC is not compulsory, as it is for foreign companies, but the GIPC offers them the same services, including interaction with all investors referenced on the Centre's matchmaking platform.

Register with Ghana Revenue Authority

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After you have registered your business with the Registrar General’s Department of Ghana, visit a Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA DTRD) office with your TIN, business registration certificate, certificate to commence business and other supporting documents like bank statements, sales records, etc. to get registered.

Register for a Technology Transfer Agreement

Technology Transfer Agreement (TTA) means an agreement between a Ghanaian enterprise (wholly owned or a joint venture) and a foreign company for services unavailable in Ghana for a duration of not less than eighteen (18) months and up to (10) ten years. A technology transfer agreement qualifies for registration in accordance with the provisions in the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act 2013, (Act 865) and the Technology Transfer Regulations, 1992 (L.I. 1547).

The agreement shall be for the following services:

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Register with EPA and other Agencies

Applicable enterprises must register and obtain an environmental permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Registration with other relevant Agencies, companies may have to comply with regulatory requirements within their various sectors of operation as for mining, oil and gas and export.

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We detail with the link on the right the registration procedures of the activities related to:

Obtaining a Business Operating Permit

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It is mandatory that all businesses within a local jurisdiction obtain a Business Operation Permit. Business Operating Permit is a license that enables an individual or group of people to undertake/do business within a Metropolitan, Municipal or District Assembly as required by law. This license is renewed annually from the day of issuance.

Obtaining a Work Permit

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Any foreigner who moves to Ghana to work must obtain a Work Permit to work as an employee. A company, Ghanaian or foreign, that wishes to employ a foreigner in Ghana must ensure that the person is eligible to obtain such a permit.

Locating in a Free Trade Zone

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To be able to establish a business as a Free Zones company, the following conditions must be met: