Accra: The Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) has launched a Prestige Service aimed at processing applications within 24 to 48 hours for a modest fee. This initiative was announced by Mrs. Maame Samma Peprah, the Acting Registrar of ORC, during a meeting with the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Peprah highlighted that the ORC has achieved 96.48 percent of its registration target, registering over 50,000 entities this year. The new service is available based on the availability of data provided by applicants. To further assist individuals who cannot visit ORC offices, registration clinics have been organized, and a new app is being developed to facilitate business registration at the doorstep of business owners.
Mrs. Peprah also explained that the new Companies Act has expanded the ORC's mandate, allowing for the monitoring and inspection of companies for compliance. Although quarterly inspections are conducted, officers have faced harassment from some business owners. The ORC's broadened mandate now includes managing insolvency and restructuring companies to prevent them from collapsing. The ORC has also commenced the registration of Insolvency Practitioners.
Public awareness of the ORC remains low following its separation from the Registrar-General's Department (RGD). Mrs. Peprah emphasized the need to differentiate ORC from RGD, as some people mistakenly direct trademark inquiries to the ORC instead of the RGD.
Efforts are underway to establish a new ORC office at Legon, pending approval of architectural designs. An internal audit has identified the need for new services and enhanced data handling. Policies are being implemented to ensure data collected is ISO 27000 compliant, and cybersecurity measures are being strengthened. Weekly data protection training and cyber surety awareness programs are conducted for staff.
The ORC is also working to set up satellite offices across regions, although only two have been deployed this year due to budget constraints. Mrs. Peprah called for the replacement of the e-registration software, which has been in use for over a decade.
Additionally, Mr. Mark Ziwu, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Law Reform Commission, highlighted the Commission's challenges, including lack of internet access, laptops, and cross-country vehicles, which hinder its ability to conduct nationwide legal research. Mr. Alhassan Tampuli, Deputy Ranking Member of the Committee, suggested the Commission commercialize its services for income generation and advised the ORC to seek police assistance during inspections to prevent harassment. Mr. James Enu, Vice Chairman of the Committee, described the Commission's challenges as heartbreaking and pledged to advocate for increased budgetary support.
