Hello house, please I need advice regarding a client who wants to register a Christian social group with CAC.
They have been operating for about 5 years without registration and are now ready to formalize the organization. However, I’m facing a challenge with the proposed name: “WHO WIN GOD ORGANIZATION.”
I’m unsure whether CAC would accept this name under a social group classification, or if it would be better categorized as a faith-based organization. The group is primarily a social/support group, members contribute financially, visit and support one another, and carry out welfare-related activities, which is more in line with what a social group does.
My concern is that they have already built their identity and branding around this name.
Please, what would you advise in this situation? I don't want to get queried
thank you in advance for your assistance
The classification of an organization under Incorporated Trustees (Part F of the CAMA 2020) depends on its aims and objectives, not just its name. In Your Case, Because the primary focus is welfare, mutual support, financial contributions for members, and social networking, it perfectly fits the description of a Social Club / Association / Welfare Group.
I feel You can absolutely register it as a social group. It does not have to be categorized as a faith-based organization (like a church or ministry) unless their primary objective is the propagation of the Christian faith, evangelism, or running a place of worship.
An issue you might likely have is the name. While CAC allows indigenous names, names that sound like a rhetorical question or a challenge ("Who Win God") are often flagged by approving officers as inappropriate or lacking the requisite corporate or formal outlook for an Incorporated Trustee.Even if you apply under Social Club, the name heavily implies a religious or spiritual theme.
The approving officer might query it, asking you to add religious undertones to the aims, or reject it for being misleading if the objectives are strictly social.
If the client insists on keeping the core phrase because of their branding, advise them to restructure the suffix to clearly reflect their social nature. Do not just submit "WHO WIN GOD ORGANIZATION." Try something like:
• Who Win God Social Club
• Who Win God Welfare Initiative
• Who Win God Friends Association
Thank you so much
Arziki Simeon Zoaka you are welcome