The Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, has urged business entities to register properly with the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ROC) and maintain valid corporate documents at all times in order to earn public trust and attract investor confidence.
He said full compliance with registration requirements was vital to advancing the region’s development priorities and supporting the government’s Reset Initiative.
Mr Gunu made the call when an 18-member team from the ROC paid a courtesy call on him in his office in Ho ahead of a week-long company registration exercise. Nearly 800 companies were registered or had their registrations renewed during the exercise, which ended on Friday, November 14.
The minister described the Volta Region as the preferred destination for both local and foreign investors, citing its vast potential in tourism, agriculture and transport. He stressed that businesses operating in these sectors and beyond must maintain proper corporate status to function credibly in the region.
“The registration gives the companies the legal backing to operate in the region, generate revenue and create jobs for the people,” he said.
Mr Gunu added that corporate social responsibility could only be demanded of companies that were duly registered and accountable. He assured the ROC team that the Volta Regional Co-ordinating Council remained committed to supporting businesses to operate smoothly without unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.
He said the region’s large pool of skilled youth was an asset that could propel rapid development. He therefore renewed his appeal to traditional authorities to take firm measures to eliminate needless chieftaincy and land disputes, which he said were hampering investment and threatening peace.
“Business cannot flourish in an atmosphere of insecurity,” he cautioned.
For her part, the acting Registrar of Companies, Maame Samma Peprah, said the registration exercise was part of the ROC’s mandate to register businesses and non-governmental organisations and give them formal recognition.
She explained that the regional tour aimed to reach and educate the public to reduce costs for business owners and increase awareness of the ROC, which now functions independently of the Registrar-General’s Department.
Mrs Peprah said the on-the-spot registration and instant issuance of certificates would save time and help eliminate middlemen from the process.
Source : Daily Graphic
