The Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) has extended the deadline for the filing of Annual Returns and Renewals to 30^th September, 2024.

A statement from the Office said validation is being conducted to ascertain businesses that complied with the directive from the Registrar of Companies, Companies, Churches, Association, Civil Society Organization, Think Tanks, Schools, Foundations and other entities in default as at end of July deadline can still file their Annual Returns and Renewals respectively.

The ORC explained that the extension has become necessary due to the number of businesses that were in the process of filing but could not complete the process in its offices or through electronic means as a result of the nationwide strike action by labour, which interrupted the services provided to clients.

“With the extension of the deadline, the ORC aims to facilitate a smoother process for businesses, promote transparency and compliance with the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992) and other enactments governing the various registration entities”, the statement said.  

It stated that currently, only 6,760 out of the over 530,000 Business Names (Sole Proprietorships) have renewed their Business Names whilst 8,890 sampled Companies in default are yet to comply with filing of their Annual Returns out of a total number of 10,734 Companies.

“These Companies in default are made up of Companies Limited by Shares and Companies Limited by Guarantee (Schools, Association, Churches, Foundations, Charity Organizations, Fun Clubs, NGOs etc.). Unlimited and External Companies are advised to file their Annual Returns and Group Accounts by the end of September 2024 respectively”.

“In this view, officials of the affected Companies are kindly reminded that, as per Section 289 (5) of the Companies Act 2019 (Act 992), a company that has its name struck off from the Register is not permitted to conduct business under the Company Name for twelve (12) years”, it added.

The ORC warned that , a company struck off the Register can only be restored to the Companies Register by a Court Order to the Registrar of Companies as per Section 289 (7) of the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992) connotes. 

"Hence, Company officials are to visit our website, www.orc.gov.gh or  check in the national dailies to find published names of affected companies to be struck off".