Registrar of Companies Cracks Down on Firms Defaulting on Beneficial Ownership Filings
The Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) has begun applying sanctions against companies that have failed to submit their Beneficial Ownership (BO) information, as part of intensified efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability within Ghana’s corporate space.
Under the new enforcement measures, defaulting companies will incur a penalty of GH¢500, effective Monday, January 12, 2026, according to an official notice issued by the Registrar.
“The commencement of enforcement follows several notices and reminders issued to companies to comply with the Beneficial Ownership disclosure requirements,” the ORC said. “Notwithstanding the grace period granted, a number of companies have still not complied, making the application of penalties unavoidable.”
The action follows an earlier public notice dated October 15, 2025, which directed all existing companies to file their Beneficial Ownership details by October 30, 2025. The ORC noted that some registered entities failed to meet the deadline.
The Registrar explained that the enforcement is fully supported by law. “This action is pursuant to Sections 13(2)(m) and 373(1) of the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992), which mandate companies to disclose individuals who ultimately own, control, or exercise significant influence over their operations,” the statement said.
The Beneficial Ownership reporting requirement applies to private and public companies limited by shares, companies limited by guarantee, unlimited liability companies, as well as external companies operating in Ghana.
Beyond the administrative fine, the ORC cautioned that further legal consequences apply to persistent non-compliance. “Any person who fails to provide Beneficial Ownership information, or who deliberately submits false or misleading details, commits an offence under the Companies Act,” the Registrar warned.
Under Sections 35(14) and (15) of Act 992, offenders, upon summary conviction, face fines ranging from 150 to 250 penalty units, imprisonment for a term of between one and two years, or both.
The Registrar stressed that adherence to the Beneficial Ownership regime is crucial to improving Ghana’s investment and business environment. “Compliance with Beneficial Ownership disclosure goes beyond statutory obligation; it is fundamental to fostering transparency, accountability and confidence in Ghana’s corporate sector,” the statement emphasised.
The ORC has therefore urged affected companies to regularise their status without delay. “Companies are advised to take immediate steps to comply and avoid the imposition of penalties,” the notice added.
