The Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) has announced a temporary disruption of its online portal following a system audit that uncovered unauthorised use of access points.
In a statement, the Office said the audit findings raised concerns about compliance with the Data Protection Act and the Companies Act, as well as potential revenue leakages linked to some paid services.
The ORC noted that it has since taken immediate steps to review and secure the affected areas of the system. However, these corrective measures have resulted in limited access for some users of the portal.
According to the Office, the ongoing audit and system review are aimed at strengthening governance and enhancing the platform’s overall security.
Key measures being implemented include aligning accessible information on the portal with provisions of the Companies Act, improving data access controls and privacy safeguards, and ensuring full compliance with data protection and cybersecurity standards.
The Office highlighted that the steps are necessary to protect sensitive personal and corporate data while reinforcing public confidence in its digital services.
It also clarified that the disruption is unrelated to any discussions or concerns regarding the sole-sourcing of government contracts.
The ORC further explained that the company name search feature on its portal was limited and only displays the names of registered companies. It does not provide ownership details or other sensitive information and, therefore, cannot be used to determine company ownership.
The statement said that members of the public seeking detailed information on registered companies have been advised to submit formal requests to the Office, which will be processed within three working days.
It also assured the public that intensive efforts are currently underway to restore full functionality of its online portal following recent disruptions.
According to the office, technical teams are working around the clock to resolve the issues while simultaneously implementing strengthened safeguards aimed at protecting client data and improving the overall resilience of the system.
The ORC emphasised its continued commitment to delivering secure, reliable, and transparent services to the public. It also expressed appreciation for the patience and understanding shown by users during the period of service interruption.
Members of the public have been encouraged to seek further information or clarification via telephone at 0308249841 or through WhatsApp and Telegram on 059-952-5774. Updates are also available on the ORC’s social media platforms under the handle @ORC GHANA.
Deborah Narkie Nartey, ISD
