ACCRA, Ghana — For international investors eyeing the gateway to West Africa, the cost of entry just saw a significant adjustment.
The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) announced this week a comprehensive revision of its fee structure, signaling a shift toward more stringent regulatory oversight and a focus on “sustainable” foreign direct investment.
The new rates, which took effect February 2, 2026, represent the first major pricing overhaul under the GIPC Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations of 2025.
The move comes as Ghana seeks to balance a welcoming mat for global capital with the need to bolster domestic revenue and ensure that enterprises operating within its borders remain in high standing.
A Tiered Entry Fee
The new schedule creates a distinct roadmap for different classes of investors. While a wholly Ghanaian-owned enterprise (non-trading) can register for GHC 1,765, the price for a wholly foreign-owned enterprise has been set at the Cedi equivalent of $5,250.
For those looking to enter the lucrative trading sector, the barrier is higher: a foreign or joint-venture trading entity must now pay the equivalent of $7,000 to register.
The GIPC noted that all service fees are non-refundable and subject to change without prior notice, a policy that underscores the firm hand the Centre intends to take in its administrative role.
The Cost of Doing Business
Beyond initial registration, the “hidden” costs of maintaining a business in Ghana have also been recalibrated.
Renewal fees, due every two years, now range from $700 for joint ventures to $2,100 for foreign-owned trading companies.
Perhaps most significant for multinational corporations are the updated fees for Technology Transfer Agreements (TTAs). These agreements, essential for companies bringing in foreign expertise or proprietary systems, now carry annual approval fees that scale with the value of the transfer:
- 1.05% for values up to $2 million.
- 1.75% for values exceeding $6 million.
Premium Services and “Strategic” Ambitions
In an effort to cater to high-stakes investors, the GIPC is leaning into “Premium” offerings.
For an additional $3,500, investors can access a “Premium Investor Concierge Service,” while those seeking to have “Strategic Projects” fast-tracked face an application fee of $35,000.
Even the right to disagree with the regulator now carries a price tag: an appeal against a GIPC decision will cost an investor $2,100.
Selected New Fees at a Glance
| Category | Fee (USD Equivalent) |
| Wholly Foreign Enterprise (Registration) | $5,250 |
| Joint-Venture Enterprise (Registration) | $3,500 |
| Strategic Project Application | $35,000 |
| Automatic Quota (Work Permit) | $350 |
| Due Diligence on Registered Companies | GHC 4,704 |
While some may see the fees as an added burden, the GIPC maintains they are a necessary step in strengthening the compliance and oversight of the nation’s investment regime.
This article was edited with AI and reviewed by human editors
