ORC Sets October 30 Deadline for Companies to File Beneficial Ownership Information
The Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) has issued a final reminder to all registered entities in Ghana to file their Beneficial Ownership (BO) information by October 30, 2025, warning that sanctions will be enforced beginning November 1, 2025.
The directive, grounded in the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992) and the Companies Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2473), requires businesses to disclose the details of individuals who ultimately own, control, or significantly influence the operations of their companies.
According to the ORC, the enforcement drive forms part of measures to enhance corporate transparency, curb illicit financial flows, and align Ghana’s business regulatory environment with global best practices on beneficial ownership disclosure.
In a statement signed by the Acting Registrar of Companies, Mrs. Maame Samma Peprah, the ORC cautioned that companies which fail to comply with the directive—or knowingly provide false or misleading information—will face penalties of up to 250 penalty units, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.
The requirement applies to all registered entities, including private and public companies limited by shares or guarantee, unlimited liability companies, and external companies operating in Ghana.
Mrs. Peprah emphasised that the move is expected to boost investor confidence and strengthen Ghana’s reputation as a transparent and compliant investment destination.
“Ensuring full disclosure of beneficial ownership will not only improve transparency in business operations but also position Ghana as a credible and responsible jurisdiction for investment,” she stated.
The ORC has, over the past months, intensified its public sensitisation campaign to encourage companies to update their records and submit BO details through the Registrar’s online portal.
Industry observers note that the enforcement of beneficial ownership regulations is critical in supporting Ghana’s efforts to meet Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and OECD standards on corporate governance and anti-money laundering compliance.
