The verdict in three sentences
Ghana's RGD (Registrar-General's Department) has made company registration fast and affordable: 24 to 48 h through the online portal for modest fees. A digital referral agent can therefore invoice legally within days and open a merchant account. Like Côte d'Ivoire's CEPICI one-stop shop, minimum capital hurdles are minimal, removing the last obstacle.
Legal forms and their cost
Three structures cover most digital entrepreneurs' needs.
| Form | Registration cost (2026 order) | Minimum capital | Owners | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship / business name | ~15,000-25,000 FCFA equiv. | none | 1 | solo start |
| Company limited by shares (Ltd) | ~40,000-60,000 FCFA equiv. | low / flexible | 1 to 50 | growth, partners |
| Limited by guarantee / PLC variants | ~50,000-60,000 FCFA equiv. | flexible | 1+ | fundraising, flexibility |
For an agent starting solo, the business name is enough; an Ltd becomes necessary once you structure or raise funds.
Documents, timelines and tax
The RGD portal groups the steps in one place.
| Step | Item | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ID + proof of address | immediate |
| 2 | Company docs (Ltd) or declaration (business name) | same day |
| 3 | File on the RGD portal | 1-2 h |
| 4 | Certificate of registration | 24-48 h |
| 5 | TIN (tax ID) | included |
| 6 | Tax regime: presumptive vs standard | at registration |
The presumptive regime simplifies tax for small turnover; the standard regime applies above thresholds.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Mini case study
Akua, a referral agent in Accra, registers a business name with the RGD. Cost: ~20,000 FCFA equivalent, time 2 days. With her certificate and TIN, she invoices her Kolonell commissions and opens a merchant mobile money account. The next month she signs 2 e-commerce projects (2 × 240,000 = 480,000 FCFA at 12%), now collected cleanly on her business account.
FAQ
Is the RGD really faster than before? Yes: the online portal delivers the certificate in 24 to 48 h, versus weeks in the past. It's one of Ghana's strengths for entrepreneurs.
What does registration actually cost? From ~15,000-25,000 FCFA equivalent for a business name, 40,000-60,000 FCFA for an Ltd. 2026 orders of magnitude, excluding advisory fees.
What capital for a limited company? Requirements are low and flexible, which makes launching easy.
Which tax regime should I choose? The presumptive regime suits small turnover; the standard regime applies above thresholds. The RGD and an accountant guide you.
Can I invoice an agency abroad? Yes, once registered, you issue compliant invoices, including for commissions paid by Kolonell in Senegal.
Register with the RGD, then become a Kolonell referral agent. Invoice properly and earn 15% on showcase (+5% recurring), 12% e-commerce, 10% marketplace, 8% institutional. 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.
