The Bank of Ghana has issued a directive mandating that all virtual asset service providers operating in or serving residents of Ghana must register with the central bank by August 15, 2025. This requirement applies to both local firms and foreign platforms, whether they maintain a physical presence in the country or operate solely online.
The registration covers a broad range of services including cryptocurrency exchanges, digital wallet providers or custodians, virtual asset settlement platforms, and issuers of tokens, stablecoins, or initial coin offerings.
Officials clarified that the registration exercise is a preliminary step in the Bank’s broader plan to introduce a comprehensive regulatory framework for virtual assets. It is not a licence to operate and does not confer legal recognition or approval of any provider. Non-compliance could result in regulatory sanctions or disqualification from future licensing opportunities.
The Bank has stated that capturing registration data will inform the design of upcoming payment regulations and licensing regimes, ensuring alignment with international best practices such as those recommended by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama recently noted that the central bank plans to launch formal digital asset regulation by September 2025. A dedicated digital assets unit is being formed to oversee supervision and compliance once the legislative framework is in place.
The move comes amid rapid growth of cryptocurrency use and peer-to-peer digital asset activity in Ghana. Observers say the directive is aimed at enhancing consumer protection, curbing financial crime, and anchoring stability as digital finance evolves.
Virtual asset firms are expected to submit registration information through the Bank’s designated online platform by the mid-August deadline. Authorities have indicated that further guidance and regulatory directives will follow based on the insights gathered from the exercise.
By formalizing the presence of all virtual asset service providers, Ghana positions itself among early movers on the continent seeking to blend digital innovation with effective oversight and market integrity.
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