The Registrar of Companies has issued a stern warning: thousands of businesses risk hefty penalties and even removal from the Companies Register if they miss the April 30, 2026, deadline for filing Annual Returns.
In a recent press statement, the Office of the Registrar urged company directors, secretaries, business owners, and partners in incorporated partnerships to submit their returns complete with financial statements or renew business names. This applies to entities whose financial year ended December 31.
The requirement aligns with Section 126(1) of the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992), as well as the Incorporated Partnerships Act and Business Names Act.
Non-compliant companies face immediate penalties plus filing fees. Those in default for five or more years owe GH¢2,000; firms behind by one to four years pay GH¢1,000. Ongoing delays trigger daily fines of 25 penalty units and potential striking off the register, barring legal operations.
Business names not renewed will expire and could be delisted.
The Registrar emphasized that returns must be filed within 18 months of incorporation, then annually, including updated details on directors, shareholders, capital structure, and financial statements.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson#ahotorfmonline.com