The Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management, Ghana (CIHRM) has issued a firm ultimatum to Human Resource (HR) practitioners operating without registration, announcing May 29, 2026, as the final deadline to regularise their status under the law.
At a press conference in Accra, the Institute’s leadership warned that individuals and firms offering HR services without proper accreditation risk sanctions once enforcement of the CIHRM Act, 2020 (Act 1020) is fully activated. The Act makes it unlawful to practice HR in Ghana without being registered with the Institute.
Dr Francis Eduku, Chief Executive Officer of CIHRM, revealed that the Institute will publish a list of members in good standing after the deadline and take appropriate action against those who fail to comply. He raised concern about the growing number of unqualified individuals offering HR consultancy services, stressing that people management requires professional training and regulatory oversight.
The Institute outlined registration categories covering multinational HR firms, local firms with foreign partnerships, long-established local firms, emerging HR businesses, and freelance consultants. According to Dr Eduku, the registration fees are reasonable and aligned with standards in other regulated professions.
He further indicated that foreign HR certification or training programmes must receive formal approval from the Council to ensure they meet Ghana’s regulatory standards.
CIHRM President, Mrs Florence Hutchful, underscored that strict enforcement of Act 1020 marks a new era of accountability and professionalism in the HR sector. She said unregulated practices undermine organisational success and national development, adding that the Institute would intensify public education and stakeholder engagement.
Vice President Mrs Dorothy Asare reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to sustained awareness campaigns to ensure compliance.
As the sole legally mandated regulator of HR practice in Ghana, CIHRM is tasked with maintaining a comprehensive register of qualified practitioners and safeguarding ethical standards within the profession.
