What Is Form 3 in Ghana? Company Registration Forms Explained

Form 3 is the ORC application to incorporate a private company limited by shares. Here is what the Form 3 pack contains, how Form 3B differs, and the fees.

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Form 3 is the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) application to incorporate a private company limited by shares, the structure most people call an LLC or a "LTD" company, under the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992). It is filed together with supporting records, which is why people talk about the "Form 3 pack".

What the Form 3 pack covers

  • The company name, ending in LTD.
  • The registered office and principal place of business, with GhanaPostGPS addresses.
  • At least two directors, with their identity details and consent to act.
  • A company secretary.
  • Shareholders, their shares and the stated capital.
  • An auditor, with the auditor's consent.
  • Beneficial owners: the people who ultimately own or control the company.
  • The company constitution.

Form 3 or Form 3B?

Form 3Form 3B
Company typePrivate company limited by shares (LTD)Company limited by guarantee (LBG)
Typical useBusinesses that make and share profitsNGOs, foundations and associations
OwnersShareholdersMembers who give a guarantee instead of buying shares
ORC standard feeGHS 585GHS 490

Fees and yearly duties

We prepare the whole pack JustRegisterIt collects director, shareholder and secretary details once, prepares the Form 3 pack and constitution, and files with ORC.

  • Standard incorporation for a company limited by shares is listed at GHS 585.
  • Companies file an annual return instead of renewing a business name. The first return is due within 18 months of incorporation, then yearly; the ORC filing fee reference is GHS 175.
  • Late annual returns attract penalties: GHS 1,000 for 1 to 4 overdue years and GHS 2,000 for 5 or more.
  • Beneficial ownership changes should be updated within 30 days.

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