How to start an NGO in Ghana

As with most permits in Ghana the process is not simple for setting up a Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) in Ghana and working in it.

The good news is there is no minimum equity investment required but you will need to show some form of sponsorship as to how you will meet the expenses of the NGO, the salaries of its employees and the funds for your various projects.
Registration is done both through the Register Generals office and then through the NGO office in Ghana. An annual submission must be made to verify compliance with stated goals and objectives.

In the first place you will need to apply to the Register Generals Department for a Certificate to Commence Business and Certificate of Incorporation.

Some of the information that the registration form requires includes:

• The name of your NGO along with its objectives
• The first members of the Executive Council or Executive Board. Please note that this needs to be between two and twenty persons.
• The names, nationalities, addresses and business occupation of any Directors and Secretary.
• Name and address of the NGO’s Auditor.
• Address (physical and postal) of registered the office and principal place of business.

Once you have received your Certificate to Commence Business and Certificate of Incorporation the next step is to apply to the Department of Social Welfare for NGO status.

The Social Welfare Department is the regulator of NGOs in Ghana and is therefore mandated to issue certificates of recognition to organizations to operate as NGOs.

You will need to supply:

• Certificates of Incorporation and to Commence Business from the Registrar General’s Department.
• Application letter on organisation’s letter head addressed to the Department of Social Welfare.
• The NGO’s constitution and profile form.
• Social investigation report.
• A recommendation letter from the District, Municipal or Metropolitan Assembly in which your organization is located.
• Any brochure or publication of your organization.
• Three copies of an endorsement letter from regional office of Departmental of Social Welfare.

Once all has been obtained you can then look to obtaining your immigrant quota work permits.

Next steps for setting for up a Non Governmental Organizations (NGO) in Ghana

Technology without Borders has an extensive network of representatives throughout Africa including Ghana. For expert advice and a start to finish service for setting for up a Non Governmental Organizations (NGO) in Ghana please contact as per below:

Simply email us here or telephone us on + 233 (0) 245 26 9141.