⚖️ Legal & Compliance

1. Registering Your Business in Ghana

Operating as a registered entity gives AZ Learner credibility, protects you personally, and is required for opening a business bank account or entering formal partnerships.

• Register with the Registrar General's Department (RGD) at rgd.gov.gh — you can register as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company
• A Private Limited Company (Ltd) is recommended — it separates your personal assets from the business and looks more professional to sponsors
• Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) — this is required for formal financial transactions
• Register for VAT if your annual turnover exceeds the GRA threshold (currently GH₵200,000)
• Open a dedicated business bank account — never mix personal and business funds

2. Intellectual Property — Protect What You Build

Your platform name, logo, content, and course materials are valuable intellectual property. Register them before someone else does.

• Trademark the AZ Learner name and logo with the Registrar General's Department (Intellectual Property Division) — visit rgd.gov.gh for the trademark registration process
• Add copyright notices to all original course content, graphics, and written materials
• Ensure any content created by tutors or contractors includes a written agreement transferring ownership to AZ Learner
• Secure the domain name and all major social media handles as early as possible

3. Data Protection — Your Legal Obligation

AZ Learner collects personal data from students, many of whom are minors. Ghana's Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843) makes you legally responsible for how you handle that data.

• Register as a data controller with the Data Protection Commission at dataprotection.org.gh
• Publish a clear, plain-language Privacy Policy on your platform explaining what data you collect and why
• Obtain parental consent for users under 18 — this is both a legal and ethical requirement
• Never sell or share student data with third parties without explicit consent
• Store data securely — use encrypted databases, strong passwords, and access controls

4. Terms of Service & Platform Rules

Clear terms protect you from misuse and set expectations for your users.

• Publish Terms of Service that users must accept before using the platform
• Include acceptable use policies — no plagiarism, cheating, or sharing paid content
• Define your refund policy clearly for any paid features or certificates
• Include a dispute resolution clause — specify that disputes are governed by Ghanaian law

5. Contracts and MOUs with Partners

Every significant partnership should be documented in writing, even if it feels like a friendly arrangement.

• Use a simple Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for school partnerships — outline what each party provides and what they receive
• Use a Content Creator Agreement for tutors — specify ownership, payment terms, and quality expectations
• Use a Sponsorship Agreement for corporate sponsors — define deliverables, logos, and payment schedule
• Have a lawyer review any contract over GH₵5,000 in value before signing

6. Employment and Volunteer Compliance

Whether you pay your team or not, you have obligations as an organisation working with people.

• Register with SSNIT if you have employees — social security contributions are mandatory in Ghana
• Issue offer letters to all team members, paid or voluntary, clearly stating their role and responsibilities
• Do not classify employees as "freelancers" to avoid payroll taxes — this is a common legal trap
• Keep records of all team members, their roles, and any compensation paid