The Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation's recent research disclosed a staggering fact: over 80% of businesses in Ghana depend on "goro boys" (middlemen) to navigate the tedious and costly business registration process. These unauthorised intermediaries often charge over 300% of the standard cost, burdening start-ups and small businesses with exorbitant fees. Some employees within the regulatory institutions allegedly conspire with these middlemen, perpetuating system delays and impeding entrepreneurs with unnecessary frustrations, leading to extortion of young businesses. This unsustainable situation is further worsened by acquiring numerous business regulatory certificates, licences and permits. This has a serious implication on business formalisation and growth. To a large extent, businesses, specifically the MSMEs, have to spend between 10% and 30% of their profits on regulations. This is not good for a developing country like Ghana, where businesses have the potential to alleviate people from poverty.

This petition is a call to action for the Office of the President, Parliament, and Ministries of Ghana. It's critical to reduce the cost of registering a business in Ghana and ensure the business registration process is fully digitised. By doing so, we can eliminate the need for goro boys, harmonise and streamline the regulatory requirements, ensuring more transparent and affordable processes for all Ghanaian entrepreneurs and businesses, and ultimately foster a more conducive environment for business growth in the country.

The high costs associated with starting a business in Ghana are not just a financial burden; they are a significant barrier to entry for many aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. The lofty charges introduced by middlemen make it nearly impossible for small businesses to meet the regulatory requirements and thrive. Furthermore, the covert practices of some employees of regulatory institutions, who allegedly collaborate with these goro boys, disrupt the values of integrity and transparency crucial for economic progress.

We must push for a fully digitalised and harmonised business registration process. This modern approach would not only decrease costs but also streamline procedures, diminishing the chance for corrupt practices and promoting efficiency. The digitisation of the registry system would foster a favourable economic landscape that empowers startups and small businesses to succeed without undue financial strain or reliance on corrupt middlemen.

Real change starts with legislative action. We urge the government representatives and relevant authorities to listen to the voices of the entrepreneurial community and take decisive action. By signing this petition, you support a crucial reform needed to help Ghana's entrepreneurs flourish and contribute positively to the nation’s economy. Let us all stand for fairness, transparency, and progress by supporting this initiative.

Please sign this petition to help make business registration simpler, harmonised, streamlined and affordable for all Ghanaians. Business regulations and administrative red tape should not be a measure of efficiency. Join us to advocate, engage and dialogue to reduce the fragmented business registration certificates, licenses and permits.