Founder to Founder: Notes from Irene’s Desk: Compliance is not a checklist

By Irene Ansa-Asare Horsham

In Ghanaian business circles, the word “compliance” tends to provoke one of two reactions:

• A deep sigh — followed by “It’s too much. Let me focus on running the business.”
• A dismissive wave — “Oh, we’re compliant. We’ve done the basics.”

Both are dangerous.  Because compliance — real, meaningful compliance — isn’t about forms and folders.  It’s not about submitting an annual return once a year and pretending all is well.  It’s not about looking ready for GRA, SSNIT, or the Registrar General — only when they knock.

Compliance is about culture.  And culture doesn’t live in documents. It lives in decisions.

The Box-Ticking Illusion

Too many founders see compliance as a checklist: Company registered. TIN obtained. Business bank account open.  Contracts drafted. Staff registered for SSNIT.  But then they never review those contracts again. They file annual returns late every year.  They don’t remit taxes or pensions.  They have staff working under unclear terms. They keep silent when governance structures are abused.  They ignore data protection, health & safety, or employee rights.  So what’s the point of ticking the box if the box is empty?

Compliance Is a Living Practice

At Horsham Consulting, we define compliance as a leadership discipline — not a legal burden.  It is the ongoing commitment to operate transparently; fulfil legal obligations; protect clients, staff, and shareholders; and strengthen organisational integrity.   It’s how you earn trust in your ecosystem — from investors, regulators, partners, and even your team.

Why Compliance Fails in Practice

Many businesses run into trouble not because they intended to break the rules, but because they never built systems to uphold them.  Here’s what I often see: The company secretary is sidelined — only called when signatures are needed.  Board minutes are missing — or fabricated retroactively.  Staff handbooks exist — but no one reads or applies them.  Client contracts are copied from online templates — with no understanding of the risks.  This is not compliance.  It’s a façade.

Compliance Is the Foundation of Scale

If your goal is to build a sustainable, respected, and fundable business — then compliance cannot be optional.  Investors look for it.  Partners rely on it.  Staff feel safer because of it.  And regulators demand it.  Compliance is not red tape. It’s your business showing its maturity.

Five Mindset Shifts for Compliance-Driven Leadership

1. Don’t wait for enforcement: If you only comply when you’re under pressure, your business is vulnerable.
2. Bring compliance into daily operations: Policies and practices must meet. There’s no point having rules no one follows.
3. Empower your company secretary:  She is not a formality. She is your silent shield.
4. Invest in systems, not shortcuts: Templates help — but they don’t replace professional advice or internal discipline.
5. Make compliance a team responsibility:  It’s not just for lawyers or HR. Everyone must understand the standards.

The Confidence of Knowing You’re Covered

There’s a deep peace that comes from knowing your filings are up to date; your contracts are sound; your records are clean; your staff are protected; and your operations can withstand scrutiny.  It frees you to lead boldly.  To negotiate powerfully.  To sleep well at night!

At Horsham Consulting, we support SMEs, non-profits, and family businesses to build this kind of backbone — quietly, strategically, and without drama.  Because we believe compliance isn’t a constraint.  It’s a competitive advantage.  It shows the world you take yourself — and your mission — seriously.

So the next time someone asks, “Are you compliant?”  Don’t just nod.  Don’t just show them a certificate.  Show them your culture. Show them your systems. Show them your consistency.  Because in the end, that’s what real compliance looks like.

Irene Ansa-Asare Horsham is the Founder of Horsham Consulting, a governance and strategy firm supporting African entrepreneurs to build with clarity, courage, and compliance. She also serves as Rector of MountCrest University College. Learn more at www.horshamconsulting.com.

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