Ghana is moving toward a new digital policy that could make it mandatory for all registered businesses operating in the country to use the national domain name, “.gh,” for their official websites and online communications.
The requirement is outlined in the proposed Ghana Domain Name Registry Act, 2025, which seeks to establish a regulatory body to manage and secure the country’s domain space. According to the bill, “all entities legally registered or operating in the Republic shall be required to register and maintain an active .gh domain name for any official website or digital platform intended for public access.”
The bill is currently open for public consultation from October 13 to November 7, 2025. Once enacted, companies already using other domains will have a six-month grace period to transition to the .gh domain or face penalties.
The proposed Ghana Domain Name Registry will oversee domain management, maintain a central record of registered names, and provide secure digital services, including official email addresses for government institutions.
While the bill grants exemptions to businesses whose services are not aimed at Ghanaians or whose websites are hosted abroad, such entities must apply formally to the registry for approval.
Failure to comply could attract hefty fines and other sanctions. Under the proposed law, directors of defaulting companies risk penalties of up to 5,000 units, while businesses themselves may face between 1,000 and 10,000 penalty units for each year they remain non-compliant. In severe cases, the registry could also apply to the High Court to block or deactivate non-compliant domain names, while internet service providers may be ordered to disconnect such entities.
The Domain Name Registry Act is part of a broader digital governance framework that includes the Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill and the Data Harmonisation Bill. However, the proposed laws have sparked mixed reactions, with some Ghanaians expressing concern that the new regulations could extend government control over the online space and raise questions about digital privacy.
Report gathered that the government believes the move will strengthen Ghana’s digital identity, promote cybersecurity, and ensure greater accountability in the country’s growing online economy.
