The Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) wishes to inform the general public that the deadline for filing Annual Returns and renewal of business names has been extended from 30th April 2026 to 30th June 2026.
This extension follows an operational review which identified that a number of businesses require additional time to address compliance challenges and documentation delays. It is intended to provide a final opportunity for affected entities to regularize their status and meet their statutory obligations without immediate sanctions, while promoting broader compliance across the business community.
The ORC reminds all stakeholders that filing Annual Returns and renewing Business Names remain mandatory legal obligations under the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992), the Incorporated Partnerships Act, 1962 (Act 152) and the Business Names Act, 1962 (Act 152). These requirements are essential for maintaining accurate records, ensuring transparency and supporting a credible business environment.
Entities that fail to comply by the extended deadline will be subjected to penalties in addition to the applicable filing fees. A penalty of GH¢2,000 will be issued against companies in default for five (5) years or more and GH¢1,000 for companies in default for one (1) to four (4) years.
This extension applies only to companies with their financial year ending on 31st December and does not cover entities with different reporting periods. Business Names that are not renewed within the stipulated period risk removal from the register and may lose their legal standing to operate.
The ORC further draws attention to its Directive No. 5, issued on 22nd January 2025, under the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992) and the Companies Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2473), which provides relief measures for eligible small-scale companies, including a waiver of full audit requirements in favour of a simplified auditor’s review report.
All businesses are urged to make use of the extended deadline and the available regulatory reliefs to regularize their operations and avoid penalties, as there will be no further extension after this. For further inquiries, contact the ORC call centre on 0308249841 or WhatsApp/Telegram 059-952-5774.
