The verdict in three sentences
The one-stop shop cuts business registration to a few days instead of several weeks. In Accra, the RGD (Registrar General's Department) registers a Limited company for around GHS 330 in 3 to 5 days. The certificate and TIN are the gateway to a merchant mobile money account.
The RGD path step by step
The RGD brings the registry, tax (GRA) and pensions together at a single point. Online filing is the norm in 2026.
| Step | Content | Indicative time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Choose the form | Sole proprietor or Limited | Immediate |
| 2. File submission | ID, constitution, address | 1 day |
| 3. Incorporation | Certificate issued | 24-48 h |
| 4. TIN declaration | Taxpayer number via GRA | Included |
| 5. SSNIT registration | Where staff are employed | 1 day |
| 6. Document collection | Certificate + TIN + constitution | 3-5 days |
Cost and comparison with Cote d'Ivoire
Ghana keeps a low headline fee. Here is the 2026 order of magnitude, compared with Cote d'Ivoire.
| Item | Ghana (RGD) | Cote d'Ivoire (CEPICI) |
|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietor | included in package | ~15 000 FCFA |
| Limited / SARL | ~GHS 330 | ~50 000 FCFA |
| Minimum capital | nominal capital | 100 000 FCFA |
| Time | 3-5 days | 24-48 h |
| Tax number | TIN | DFE / taxpayer account |
In Cote d'Ivoire, the CEPICI registers a sole proprietor in 24 to 48 hours for around 15 000 FCFA. Ghana is competitive on cost, while Cote d'Ivoire keeps the edge on speed.
The Kolonell referral programme
Every newly registered business is a prospect for a website or an online store. With the Kolonell referral programme, you turn your network into income.
| Track | Sale commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase site | 15 % | + 5 % / month |
| E-commerce | 12 % | - |
| Marketplace | 10 % | - |
| Institutional | 8 % | - |
A Starter e-commerce store at 1 000 000 FCFA earns you 120 000 FCFA in commission. You introduce the client, we deliver the site connected to Wave and Orange Money.
Mini case study
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Kwame, a restaurateur in Accra, wants to sell his dishes online. He registers a sole proprietorship at the RGD in 3 days. He opens a merchant mobile money account at a 1.7 % fee instead of 2.5 % personal. On GHS 30 000/month of online sales, the saving is (2.5 % - 1.7 %) x 30 000 = GHS 240 per month. The registration cost is recovered within the first weeks of trading.
FAQ
How much does a sole proprietorship cost at the RGD in 2026?
It is generally bundled into an affordable registration package, TIN included. It is the fastest option for a freelancer or small trader.
What is the real registration timeline?
The RGD targets 3 to 5 days for a Limited company. Online filing speeds up processing considerably.
Is the TIN enough to open a merchant account?
Yes, the TIN and certificate are the documents mobile money operators require for a merchant account. They prove the legal and tax existence of the business.
Is capital required for a Ghanaian Limited?
A nominal minimum share capital is declared at incorporation. It stays available to the company to fund its activity.
Can everything be done online?
Largely yes in 2026: the RGD portal digitises submission. A physical visit is sometimes still needed to collect signed originals.
Let's talk about your project. We connect your new business to a site that collects via mobile money, and you can become a referral partner. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
