Ghana

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to register a company in Ghana:

a) Choose a unique company name

• Conduct a name search at the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) to ensure your desired name is available
• Reserve the name for 30 days by paying the applicable fee

b) Obtain Tax Identification Numbers (TINs)

• All company directors, shareholders and the secretary must register for a TIN
• Individuals can use their Ghana Card PIN as their TIN starting April 1, 2021
• Organisations apply for a TIN using the prescribed form

c) Complete the company registration forms

• Forms can be purchased at the RGD or downloaded from their website
• Required forms include:
• Form 3 - Return of Particulars of Company
• Form 4 - Details of Directors and Secretary
• Regulations of the Company
• Provide auditor’s consent letter, company address, stated capital, and shareholder details

d) Pay the required fees

• Stamp duty of 0.5% on stated capital
• Registration filing fees (currently GHS 450)
• Payment is made at the in-house bank at the RGD

e) Submit all documents to the RGD

• Forms are verified and captured at the RGD
• If all requirements are met, the company is registered within 3-4 weeks

e) Collect certificates and documents

• Upon approval, the RGD issues:
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Certificate to Commence Business
• Certified copies of Forms 3 & 4 and Company Regulations

f) Complete other regulatory requirements

• Register for SSNIT[5]
• Register with Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) if foreign-owned

Useful links for more information:

• Registrar General’s Department: https://rgd.gov.gh
• Ghana Revenue Authority TIN Registration: https://gra.gov.gh/tin/ 
• Office of the Registrar of Companies: https://orc.gov.gh
• Ghana Investment Promotion Centre: https://gipc.gov.gh

The registration process requires careful adherence to requirements and procedures. Consulting with legal professionals can help ensure a smooth and compliant company incorporation in Ghana.

As a small or medium enterprise (SME) in Ghana looking to export goods or services, you need to obtain the proper licenses and permits to ensure compliance with local and international regulations. Here are the key licenses and permits required:

Business Registration

Before exporting, you must register your business with the Registrar General’s Department and obtain the necessary operating licenses based on your industry.

Tax Identification Number (TIN)

Register with the Ghana Revenue Authority to get a unique TIN, which is required for export documentation.

Export License

Apply for an export license from the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA). This license allows you to legally export products from Ghana.

Export Permit

Certain products like food items, plants, animals, and chemicals require specific export permits from relevant authorities:

• Food products: Food and Drugs Authority
• Plants/plant products: Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate
• Animals/animal products: Veterinary Services Directorate
• Chemicals: Environmental Protection Agency

Certificate of Origin

Obtain a Certificate of Origin from the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce to certify the nationality of your export goods.

ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) Approval

If exporting within ECOWAS, apply for ETLS approval which allows duty-free and quota-free access.

Product Certification

Depending on your product, you may need certifications from international bodies like:

• ISO certification for quality management systems
• Halal or Kosher certification for food products
• Organic certification for agricultural exports

Phytosanitary Certificate 

For exports of plants/plant products, a phytosanitary certificate issued by plant quarantine authorities is required.

The application process involves submitting forms, product samples, legal documents, and fees to the respective agencies. It’s advisable to start the process well in advance of your intended export date.

Additionally, research if your target export market has any specific requirements for product labeling, packaging or other standards that need to be met.

Regularly check for updates, as export regulations can change. Engaging a freight forwarder or customs broker can also help ensure you have all the necessary permits.

Useful links:

• Registrar General’s Department: https://rgd.gov.gh/
• Ghana Revenue Authority: https://gra.gov.gh/
• Ghana Export Promotion Authority: https://www.gepaghana.org/
• Food and Drugs Authority: https://fdaghana.gov.gh/
• Plant Protection and Regulatory Services: https://pprsdghana.org/ 
• Environmental Protection Agency: https://epa.gov.gh/
• Ghana National Chamber of Commerce: https://ghanachamber.org/
• ECOWAS Trade Liberalization: http://www.ecowas.int/ecowas-sectors/trade/etls/

As an entrepreneur in Ghana looking to start or grow an export business, there are several government programs and grants that can provide valuable funding support. Here are the key steps to access export-specific grants and subsidies in Ghana:

1. Register your business: Your company must first register with the appropriate authorities before applying for any grants. This involves filing an incorporation certificate with the Registrar General’s Department and registering with the Ghana Revenue Authority to obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN).
2. Obtain an exporter code: Apply for an exporter code from the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA). This unique identification number is required for subsequent applications and paperwork related to your export business.
3. Register with GEPA: In addition to applying for specific export grants, businesses should register with the Ghana Export Promotion Authority. By registering, you can access various tools, initiatives and incentives the government offers to support Ghanaian exporters.
4. Identify eligible export grant programs: Research the different government grant programs to determine which ones you may qualify for based on your export business. Some key programs to consider:

• Export Development and Agricultural Investment Fund (EDAIF): Provides financial resources for the development and promotion of Ghana’s export trade
• USAID West Africa Trade & Investment Hub: Offers co-investment grants up to $2 million for West African export businesses
• Ghana Tourism Development Project Site Upgrade Grant: Grants for tourism-related businesses

1. Prepare a strong business plan: Most grant programs require a detailed business plan as part of the application. Highlight how your export business aligns with the objectives of the specific grant.
2. Complete the grant application: Provide all requested information in the grant application, including financial statements, legal documents, and product details. Submit the application according to the program guidelines and deadlines.
3. Follow up and comply with requirements: After submitting your application, follow up with the grant provider to check the status. If approved, be sure to adhere to all reporting and compliance requirements of the grant.

In addition to government grants, Ghanaian export businesses can explore other funding options like bootstrapping, angel investors, and crowdfunding platforms. Staying informed about the latest export financing opportunities and trade agreements can help position your business for growth in international markets.

Useful links for more information:

• Ghana Export Promotion Authority: https://www.gepaghana.org/ 
• Ghana Enterprises Agency: https://gea.gov.gh/
• USAID West Africa Trade and Investment Hub: https://westafricatradehub.com/
• Ghana Tourism Development Project: https://www.moti.gov.gh/tourism.php
• African Development Bank Export Stimulation and Promotion: https://www.afdb.org/en/topics-and-sectors/initiatives-partnerships/boost-africa-empowering-young-african-entrepreneurs