Registrar of Companies extends annual returns filing deadline to June 30

The Registrar of Companies has extended the deadline for filing Annual Returns and renewing business names from April 30, 2026, to June 30, 2026. According to the Registrar of Companies, Mrs. Maame Samma Peprah, the decision follows an operational review that revealed several businesses were facing compliance and documentation challenges. The ORC describes the extension as a "final opportunity" for affected entities to regularize their operations and meet legal obligations without facing immediate sanctions.

The ORC emphasized that the filing of Annual Returns and renewal of Business Names remain mandatory. Companies that fail to comply by June 30, 2026, will face penalties in addition to the applicable filing fees. Companies in default for five years or more will pay a penalty of GH¢2,000, while those in default for between one and four years will pay GH¢1,000. The ORC clarified that the extension applies only to companies whose financial year ends on December 31 and does not cover entities operating under different reporting periods. Business Names that are not renewed within the stipulated period risk being removed from the register and could lose their legal standing to operate.

The Registrar referenced Directive No. 5, issued on January 22, 2025, which introduces relief measures for eligible small-scale companies. Small-scale companies are defined as entities with revenue and assets of up to GH¢400,000, while medium-scale firms fall within GH¢400,001 and GH¢10 million. Large-scale companies are those with revenue or assets above GH¢10 million. The ORC announced relief measures targeted at small-scale businesses, including the waiver of full external audit requirements. The ORC stressed that there