Okay, so you have a business idea. Maybe you want to start a food delivery service in Accra, launch a fashion brand in Kumasi, or start a tech startup that solves real problems in Ghana. While it may sound exciting, the problem is that starting a business is where most people get stuck. Between paperwork, red tape, and not knowing where to start, it can feel like you’re running on empty before you even make your first sale. Looking for easy ways to get your brand off the ground and start a business in Ghana ? Here’s a guide for you.
#1 Register your business with the Registrar General’s Department
This is the first official step to registering your business and making it legal, so you can get legal protection. You will need to choose the legal form (such as sole ownership, partnership, limited liability company, etc.), choose a business name, and fill out some forms.
Our advice is to opt for a Limited Liability Company (LLC) if you want to separate your personal finances from your business finances. It offers flexibility and is ideal for future growth. In addition, the RGD now has an online portal, which also saves you from long lines.
#2 Open a business bank account
Once you’re registered, open a business checking account. This is where your clients will pay you and where you’ll manage your expenses. Keeping your personal and business finances separate helps you stay organized. Major banks in Ghana, such as Ecobank and Fidelity, offer account packages that are suitable for SMBs, and some also offer consulting services to guide you on your entrepreneurial journey.
#3 Get a Tax Identification Number (TIN) and register with the GRA
Tax evasion is illegal, so you might as well take a proactive approach to filing your tax returns. Every business in Ghana needs a Tax Identification Number (TIN) and must register with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), as this allows you to legally pay your taxes (VAT, Income Tax, etc.) and operate smoothly. Once you are in the GRA system, they will help you understand your tax obligations. Always remember that ignoring your taxes can cost you dearly later, so do not skip this step.
#4 Set up your social media and online presence
As of January 2025, Ghana had 7.95 social media users. Let’s be real: if your business is not online, it is almost invisible. The digital space in Ghana is booming, and even street businesses are taking orders through Facebook, WhatsApp, or Instagram. Create a business page, list your services or products, and engage with your customers. It is one of the cheapest ways to advertise and grow quickly, especially if you are starting on a limited budget .
Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1171445/number-of-social-media-users-ghana/
#5 Obtain all required licenses and permits
Depending on the type of business and investment opportunities in Ghana you are choosing, you may need special licenses, such as a food safety permit, a tourism license, or FDA registration. Therefore, it is important to check with your local assembly or relevant authority. Operating without the correct license can result in fines or even closure of your business, so it is better to take care of the permit paperwork up front rather than face problems later.
Want to invest in Ghana and start a business? Get started today with the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Ghana !