The Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) has announced a temporary disruption of its online portal following the detection of unauthorized access during a recent system audit, raising concerns about data protection and regulatory compliance.
According to the Office, the audit revealed instances of improper use of portal access points, prompting immediate action to secure the system. The findings also highlighted potential risks relating to compliance with the Data Protection Act, the Companies Act, and possible revenue leakages tied to some paid services on the platform.
In response, the ORC has begun a comprehensive review of its digital infrastructure, including tightening access controls and reassessing the level of information available through the portal. While these measures are aimed at protecting sensitive data and strengthening system integrity, they have resulted in temporary access challenges for some users.
The office further indicated that the ongoing audit is focused on aligning portal operations with legal requirements, improving data privacy safeguards, and ensuring adherence to cybersecurity best practices. The move is part of a broader effort to reinforce public confidence in the Office’s digital services.
The ORC has also moved to address public speculation, clarifying that the disruption is not connected to any discussions regarding the sole-sourcing of government contracts.
Providing further clarification, the Office explained that its company name search feature is limited in scope. It only displays the names of registered companies and does not provide ownership details or other sensitive information, making it unsuitable for identifying company owners through a simple search.
For individuals and organizations seeking detailed company information, the ORC advised that formal requests can be submitted directly to the Office, with responses guaranteed within three working days.
Despite the disruption, the Office has assured stakeholders that work is ongoing to restore full functionality of the portal as quickly as possible. Technical teams are working around the clock to resolve the issue while introducing additional safeguards to protect user data and strengthen system resilience.
The ORC reiterated its commitment to delivering secure, transparent, and reliable services, and appealed to the public for patience as the necessary improvements are completed.
For further enquiries, the public can contact the Office via telephone on 0308249841 or through WhatsApp and Telegram on 059-952-5774, or follow @ORC GHANA on social media platforms.
