ORC urges businesses to file annual returns by April 30 or face sanctions
In a press release dated February 27, 2026, the ORC directed all registered companies, business owners, directors, and incorporated partnerships to file their Annual Returns or renew their business names by April 30, 2026.
Businesses across Ghana have been given a firm compliance deadline as the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) intensifies enforcement of statutory filing requirements.
In a press release dated February 27, 2026, the ORC directed all registered companies, business owners, directors, and incorporated partnerships to file their Annual Returns or renew their business names by April 30, 2026.
The directive, grounded in the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992) and other relevant legislation, reinforces the government’s commitment to regulatory transparency and corporate accountability.
The Registrar made it clear that non-compliance will attract significant financial penalties:
Companies in default for five years or more will pay GH¢2,000.
Those in default for one to four years will pay GH¢1,000.
In addition, companies face 25 penalty units per day for late filing.
The enforcement framework goes beyond fines. Persistent defaulters risk being struck off the Companies Register, effectively rendering their operations unlawful.
Annual Returns must be submitted within 18 months of incorporation and thereafter once every year. The filing must include updated details on company address, directors, shareholders, capital structure, and financial statements.
The requirement applies to:
Companies limited by shares
Companies limited by guarantee
External companies
Unlimited liability companies
Business names that are not renewed will automatically lapse and may be removed from the register.
The ORC emphasized that Annual Returns serve as a corporate health report, providing both financial and non-financial insights into a company’s status. Failure to comply may also affect a company’s ability to secure credit, enter contracts, or maintain good standing in the marketplace.
Acting Registrar Mrs. Maame Samma Peprah urged businesses to regularize their filings promptly to avoid sanctions and operational disruptions.
With the April 30 deadline approaching, corporate entities are expected to act swiftly to safeguard their legal standing and sustain business continuity.
For inquiries, businesses may contact the ORC call center at 0308249841 or via WhatsApp/Telegram at 059-952-5774.
