How to check if a company is registered in Ghana

Doing business in Ghana can be a rewarding experience, as the country is one of the most promising markets in Africa. However, it is important to ensure that the company you are doing business with is registered and regulated by the relevant authorities.

Registering a company is a very critical part of starting any business as that is what gives you the legitimacy to operate. However, there are certain things you have to know while you are preparing to register your company or things to know whiles verifying a companies registration status.

It is important to understand that there are various types of companies that can be registered in Ghana, including limited liability companies, private companies, and public limited companies. Each type of company has its own unique registration requirements, and the registration process is different for each type.

Which department register business in Ghana?

The Registrar General’s Department is the agency mandated by the Republic of Ghana to register business in Ghana.

The Registrar General’s Department was established under the Ordinance 1950 during the Colonial days. It became a department of the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General in 1961 with the aim of becoming a highly progressive department that efficiently serves it customers by becoming a highly strategic partner to businesses and stakeholders.

The department seeks to be a highly progressive department that efficiently serves its customers; thereby becoming a strategic partner to all businesses and stakeholders.

How to check if a company is registered in Ghana

You need to make sure you deal with a legitimate company anytime you want to work with one and to do that, its best you request for the company’s registration status. Every registered company must be legal as they can be sued if they are not.

1. Check the company’s name from Registrar General’s Department

The Registrar General Department is a government agency responsible for registering companies in Ghana. It’s important to check the company’s name against the Companies Registry so you can be sure the company you’re dealing with is legitimate. You can search for companies using their name on the Registrar General’s Department website.

1. Visit the Registrar General’s Department website.
2. Click on the ONLINE REGISTRATION
3. The RGD Portal will pop up in a different tab
4. Click on the Name Search
5. Enter your Entity Name (Business Name)
6. Select the drop down button from the Search Type (Exact Match, Starts With, Contains, Ends With, Sounds Like)
7. Enter the Captcha code
8. Click on Search

2. Check company’s registration documents

All companies in Ghana are required to register with the Registrar General’s Department and must provide certain documents. These documents include a certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association, and a list of directors.

You should request a copy of these documents from the company and check them against that of the Registrar General’s Department copy to make sure they are legitimate.

Can two businesses have the same name?

If a business name is already trademarked, you are prohibited from using it even if the company operates in a different state to yours. Trademark issues can be complex. In trademark infringement cases, courts look at whether consumers would be confused by two businesses that operate in the same industry.

Conclusion

By following these steps you can be sure the company you’re dealing with is registered in Ghana and is in good standing with the Registrar General’s Department. It is essential to ensure that the company is up-to-date with its tax and social security obligations, as this also proves how efficient and deligent the company is in Ghana. This will ensure that your business relationship is secure and legitimate.