The verdict in three sentences
The Registrar General's Department (RGD) has turned a once-slow process into a 1-to-5-day formality. Registering a sole proprietorship or a limited company unlocks B2B contracts, a corporate account and VAT. The real cost today is no longer registration: it is staying informal and invisible to the buyers who award contracts.
Sole proprietor versus limited company
The choice of form depends on your ambition, your need for protection and the number of owners.
| Criterion | Sole proprietor | Limited company (LTD) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of owners | 1 | 1 or more |
| Liability | Unlimited | Limited to shares |
| Registration cost | GHS 60 to 100 | GHS 230 to 500 |
| Corporate credibility | Medium | Strong |
| Share capital | Not applicable | Flexible |
| Ideal for | Solo, startup | Growth, partners |
Steps and costs with the RGD in 2026
The benchmarks below give the 2026 order of magnitude via the RGD.
| Item | 2026 benchmark |
|---|---|
| Registration time | 1 to 5 days |
| Sole proprietor cost | GHS 60 to 100 (estimate) |
| Limited company cost | GHS 230 to 500 (estimate) |
| Minimum capital | Flexible |
| Documents issued | Certificate + TIN |
| Ghana Card | Required for directors |
The TIN is your tax identifier and the certificate is your legal proof of existence, both essential to invoice and sign contracts.
Mini case study
Fatou runs a tailoring workshop in Accra, working off the books with individuals. A hotel chain offers to supply uniforms, a market estimated at 4,000,000 FCFA equivalent per year, but demands an LTD with a TIN. She registers her LTD with the RGD in a couple of days for an order-of-magnitude cost of GHS 400. The signed contract is worth many times that cost and opens the door to other institutional clients who buy only from registered companies.
FAQ
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Does the RGD handle everything in one place?
Largely yes: registration, TIN and certificate are streamlined. This avoids running between several offices.
Sole proprietor or LTD to start?
A sole proprietorship is faster and cheaper, but your liability is unlimited. An LTD protects your assets and reassures large accounts; choose based on your target clients.
What capital for an LTD?
Share capital is flexible in Ghana. Set a realistic figure; opening the corporate account that holds it is part of finalizing.
How long does it really take?
The RGD targets 1 to 5 days with a complete file. Preparing documents in advance, including your Ghana Card, is the best way to hit that window.
And after registration?
A professional website and clean invoicing turn your new structure into a contract-winning machine. It is often the first useful investment after registration.
Let's talk about your project. Once your LTD is registered, we build your online presence to win B2B markets. 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.
