The verdict in three sentences
Ghana's RGD (Registrar General's Department) registers a sole proprietorship in a short window for a modest fee, one of the more efficient paths in the region. The small-business tax regime is ideal for a starting web referral agent: light taxation, minimal bookkeeping. Once formalized, you invoice e-commerce commissions cleanly at 12 % on tickets worth 1 to 4 million FCFA equivalent.
Why the RGD is an asset for a referral agent
A web referral agent in Accra connects merchants with an agency for online stores. Without a structure, they cannot invoice; with the RGD, they obtain a taxpayer number, a registration certificate and the ability to issue invoices. The speed of registration is a concrete advantage: you start almost immediately.
| RGD step | Content | Indicative 2026 timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Name search & reservation | Confirm business name | Same day |
| Business registration | Registrar filing | 1 - 2 days |
| Taxpayer number (TIN) | Tax identification | 1 - 2 days |
| Registration certificate | Final document | 2 days |
| Total sole-prop cost | All-in fees | Modest |
The small-business tax regime
The small-business regime targets very small activities: it replaces several taxes with a simplified levy and avoids heavy accounting. For a starting referral agent, it is the perfect entry point. As turnover grows, you move to a standard regime.
| Regime | Indicative annual turnover | Taxation | Bookkeeping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small business / presumptive | Very small turnover | Simplified levy | Cash book |
| Standard small | Intermediate turnover | Flat rate | Light |
| Standard | Higher turnover | Income tax + VAT | Formal |
RGD versus other regional one-stop shops
| Country | One-stop shop | Sole-prop timeline | Indicative 2026 cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghana | RGD | A few days | Modest |
| Cote d'Ivoire | CEPICI | 24 - 48 h | 15,000 - 30,000 FCFA |
| Senegal | APIX | 48 - 72 h | 25,000 - 50,000 FCFA |
| Nigeria | CAC | A few days | Modest |
| Burkina Faso | CEFORE | 24 - 72 h | 20,000 - 40,000 FCFA |
Mini case study
Adjoua, 26, runs a fashion Instagram account, and refers three creators to Kolonell for Starter e-commerce stores worth the equivalent of 1,200,000 FCFA each. Her e-commerce referral commission is 12 %, i.e. 144,000 FCFA per sale, so 432,000 FCFA in total. She paid a modest fee for her RGD registration, recovered on the very first commission. Now formalized, she invoices agencies, opens a business account and targets bigger tickets.
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FAQ
Is the RGD really among the fastest paths in the region?
With a registration window of a few days for a sole proprietorship, the RGD is among the more efficient registrars in 2026, comparable to Cote d'Ivoire's CEPICI (24-48 h) and Nigeria's CAC.
Which regime should I choose to start as a referral agent?
The small-business or presumptive regime, designed for very small activities, is the simplest: flat levy and minimal accounting. You move to a higher regime as your annual commissions grow.
Do I have to charge VAT?
Under the small-business regime you are generally not VAT-liable. It becomes mandatory when you cross the standard threshold; confirm the applicable limit with an accountant.
How does Kolonell pay my commissions?
Kolonell pays 12 % on each referred e-commerce sale, by bank transfer or mobile money to your business account. On a Growth store worth 2,000,000 FCFA, that is 240,000 FCFA in commission.
Do I need to live in Accra to use the RGD?
No, but the business address must be in Ghana. A registered address or your home suffices for an intangible referral activity.
Let's talk about your project. Register with the RGD and become a Kolonell referral agent to earn 12 % on every referred store. 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.
