How to do a business name search in Ghana?

Key takeaways

• Always start your business registration with a name search at the Registrar-General’s Department to confirm availability.
• A valid name search prevents rejection and legal conflicts by ensuring your business name meets RGD naming rules.
• Once your name is approved, reserve it for two months (renewable once) and proceed to complete your business registration.

Before you register a business in Ghana, the first step is to check if your desired business name is available. Here’s how to go about it.

What is a business name search?

A business name search means checking the Registrar-General’s Department (RGD) database to confirm whether the name is available for use or has already been registered by another entity.

The RGD is the official government body responsible for registering businesses, companies, and trademarks in Ghana.

Before you can legally register your business, you must ensure the name is unique and not identical or confusingly similar to another registered entity.

How to conduct a business name search?

You can conduct your business name search online or in person at any RGD office.

Option #1 – Online Portal

To use the online portal for your name search, follow the steps below;

1. Visit the official RGD website.
2. Select Name Search under Services.

3. For Entity Name, enter your proposed business name.

Note: The RGD website can be pretty slow, so be patient and allow each page to load fully before proceeding to the next step.

4. Select your Search Type from the drop-down menu. This tells the system how to look for your proposed name:

• • Exact Match: Finds the exact name you typed.
  • Starts With: Finds names beginning with your words.
  • Contains: Finds names that include your words anywhere.
  • Ends With: Finds names that end with your words.
  • Sounds Like: Finds names that sound similar, even if spelt differently.

Quick tip: Start with “Contains” or “Starts With” to see similar names, then use “Exact Match” to confirm your name is fully available.

5. Review the search results displayed on the page.
6. Enter the Captcha code shown on the screen.
7. Click on the search button to view your results.

After completing your search, you’ll receive one of two possible outcomes:

• No records found: This means there is no existing business with that name, and it is eligible for registration.
• Details of a registered company: This means the name has already been used or is too similar to another registered business. You must pick another name and start the process again.

Option #2 – In-person

If you prefer visiting the office or encounter issues with the online portal (which sometimes glitches or fails to load properly), you can conduct a name search manually at the RGD.

Visit any RGD office and request a name search. Feedback is usually immediate. We recommend this approach if you’re not far from any of their offices.

Why should you do a name search?

A name search is a crucial first step that can save time, money, and frustration later. Here’s why it matters:

1. A name search helps you steer clear of names already registered or protected, reducing the risk of future legal disputes or brand confusion.
2. It ensures your business name is unique.
3. It helps you claim your business identity early.
4. It speeds up registration, as a verified name means fewer corrections and delays when filing official forms.
5. Conducting a name search ensures that your proposed business name meets the legal naming requirements set by the RGD.

What to do next after the name search?

Once your desired name is confirmed available, the next steps are:

1. Reserve the name if you intend to register at a later date. You can do so for two months at the RGD.
2. Prepare your registration documents. You’ll need your Ghana Card, Tax Identification Number (TIN), and completed registration forms (Form A, Form 3, or others, depending on your business type).
3. Proceed to register your business at any RGD office.

Important tips to note

Keep these key points in mind to ensure your business name search and registration process goes smoothly.

• Use a simple, unique, and professional name that reflects your business purpose.
• Have about three names ready in case your proposed name has already been used.
• Ensure your business name is not too similar to that of an existing entity and portrays the service you offer.
• If your reservation expires, you can renew it for two additional months at a fee.
• Avoid using restricted words such as “bank” or “university” without approval; these require special licences.

FAQs

How do I choose a business name in Ghana?

To choose a business name in Ghana, brainstorm and draw inspiration from business names in your industry or sector. We recommend choosing a name that is short, easy to pronounce, and clearly represents your products or services.

Can I choose any name for my business?

Yes, you can choose any name for your business, provided it is available at the Registrar-General’s Department (RGD). However, certain restricted words, such as national, government, and bank, cannot be a part of the name you choose.

How long can I reserve my name?

You can reserve a name at the Registrar-General’s Department (RGD) for two months. If you’re not ready to register within that time, you can renew the reservation for an additional two months.

Conclusion

Conducting a name search is an important part of the business registration process as it affirms a business name’s availability for use. It ensures your name is unique, acceptable, and legally protected.

Once your name is confirmed, reserve it quickly and move on to register your business. Got any questions? We’d love to hear it.