The Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) has begun a week-long celebration aimed at raising public awareness of its mandate and services under the new Companies Act. 

The initiative, according to Deputy Registrar of Companies, Benjamin Zigorsh-Nyakpenu, seeks to educate the public on the importance of compliance, proper registration, and the support available to struggling businesses.

Speaking in an interview with Class Media Group, Mr. Zigorsh-Nyakpenu explained that the ORC, established in 2023, is responsible for the registration of entities such as sole proprietorships, limited liability companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and churches.

The office also oversees company liquidations, mergers and ensures compliance with the law.

The ORC week, which started Monday, features a series of activities including a registration clinic to resolve longstanding registration issues, a stakeholder symposium at Alisa Hotel with the Chief of Staff representing the President, and a float through Accra’s principal streets to create public awareness.

Other events include a Risk Awareness Workshop for staff on Thursday, a health screening exercise on Friday, and fun games at the University of Ghana on Saturday to close the celebrations.

Beyond the week’s activities, Mr. Zigorsh-Nyakpenu stressed the registrar’s vision to embark on sustained public education. “One of the key visions of the current Registrar, Madam Mami Samapebra, is education, education, education.

Many people do not know about our mandate or the compliance requirements of the new Act,” he noted.

The Deputy Registrar emphasised the importance of compliance for business operations, explaining that companies in default may be denied services by banks.

To broaden its outreach, the ORC is partnering with the Ghana Association of Industries, the Ghana Revenue Authority, and financial institutions to educate businesses nationwide.

The symposium will also bring together key stakeholders such as the GRA, Bank of Ghana, DVLA, National Identification Authority, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, and the Financial Intelligence Centre to discuss beneficial ownership registration and other collaborative efforts.

Mr. Zigorsh-Nyakpenu urged all businesses, including those in distress, to approach the ORC for assistance.

“We don’t want to allow companies to die. When they are in difficulties, they should approach us, and we will help them to solve the situation,” he said.