The Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) in Kumasi has intensified its campaign to register businesses, urging owners to formalize their operations. This push aims to increase compliance with company regulations and boost economic formalization in the region. The ORC launched a public sensitisation float themed “Building Awareness, Driving Change” across major Kumasi streets.
The campaign began with a float on May 13, 2026, through areas like Bekwai Roundabout, Adum, Kejetia, and Asafo. ORC officials used the event to highlight the benefits of business registration. Importantly, registered businesses can more easily secure government contracts and open business bank accounts. Unregistered businesses miss out on these crucial opportunities for growth and stability.
This initiative fits into Ghana’s broader economic strategy to formalize its large informal sector. The informal sector often lacks access to credit, government support, and legal protection. Moving businesses into the formal economy can boost tax revenue collection. It also improves data quality for economic planning and policy formulation.
Yvonne Adjimah Adjare, Principal State Attorney and ORC Kumasi Zonal Head, expressed concern about widespread unregistered businesses. She stated that registering a business is not a burden but rather a key to growth. "Registering your business is not a bad thing. It rather helps the business to grow because there are many advantages associated with it," Mrs. Adjare explained.
The ORC currently offers both premium and normal registration services. The premium service provides certificates within one day for an extra fee. The normal service takes a few days. Mrs. Adjare assured the public that the registration process is straightforward. Officers are available to assist applicants throughout the process. The ORC plans registration clinics from May 12 to 15, 2026, at its forecourt in Adum and Kejetia. These clinics will assist business owners directly with their registration needs. Operating a business without registration is an offense. Offenders face punitive sanctions. This means they can be fined or face other penalties for breaking the law. Small-scale business owners, such as provision shop operators, seamstresses, and bakers, must also register their enterprises.
This intensified campaign signifies a strong governmental push toward formalizing Ghana's economy. Businesses that fail to register risk legal penalties and limited growth prospects. Increased formalization could lead to a more robust tax base and improved economic planning. This will ultimately benefit the national economy as a whole. Businesses should expect continued enforcement and support for registration in the coming months.