1. Decide on the Type of Business Structure

   Choose the most suitable legal structure for your business:

   Type of Business	Key Features
   Sole Proprietorship	Owned by one person, easy to set up, full personal liability.
   Partnership	2–20 people share profits, responsibilities, and risks.
   Limited Liability Company (LLC)	Separate legal entity, limited liability for owners. Requires at least 2 directors.
   Company Limited by Guarantee (Non-Profit)	For NGOs, charities, and social enterprises.
   Public Limited Company	For businesses that wish to sell shares to the public (more complex).

2. Register Your Business Name
   • Visit the Registrar-General’s Department (RGD) office or use their online portal: https://rgd.gov.gh
   • Conduct a name search to ensure the name is not already taken.
   • Pay the fee for name reservation (valid for 30 days).

   Tip: Choose a unique, easy-to-pronounce name that reflects your brand.

3. Prepare Required Documents

   For a Company (LLC), you'll need:

   • Company name approval
   • Form 3 (company particulars)
   • Company regulations (constitution)
   • Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) for all directors and shareholders
   • Proof of address (e.g. utility bill)
   • Passport-sized photos of directors
   • Statement of capital and shareholding

   For a Sole Proprietorship:

   • Name reservation
   • TIN and ID
   • Business registration form
4. Register with the Registrar-General’s Department

   Submit your application online or in person. Processing time is usually 2–5 working days.

   You will receive:

   • Certificate of Incorporation
   • Certificate to Commence Business
   • Form A or B depending on the structure
5. Register for Tax & SSNIT
   • Register with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for:
   • Tax Identification Number (TIN)
   • VAT registration (if applicable)
   • Income tax and withholding tax
   • Register with the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to pay employee pension contributions.
6. Get Business Operating Permits

   Depending on your sector and location, you may need:

   • Municipal/District Assembly Business Operating Permit
   • Sector-specific licenses (e.g. Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana Standards Authority)
7. Open a Business Bank Account
   • Use your registration documents, TIN, and IDs.
   • Choose a bank with SME-friendly services (e.g. Ecobank, Access Bank, Stanbic, ABSA, GCB).

Government & Public Agencies

• NBSSI/Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) – Support for MSMEs: funding, training, incubation.
• GIPC (Ghana Investment Promotion Centre) – For foreign investment facilitation and support.
• Venture Capital Trust Fund (VCTF) – Access to funding for SMEs.
• Youth Employment Agency (YEA) – Youth start-up support.
• FDA, GTA, GSA – Regulatory guidance for food, tourism, manufacturing.

Private & Development Partners

• Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) – $5,000 grants and mentorship.
• Ghana Hubs Network – Co-working spaces and incubators (e.g. iSpace, Impact Hub).
• British Council, SNV, GIZ – Various entrepreneurship programs.