The Bank of Ghana will begin regulating cryptocurrency platforms and virtual asset providers by September 2025, Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama announced during the African Leaders and Partners Forum in Washington, D.C.
The move represents a significant shift in the country’s approach to digital finance as adoption of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum continues growing among consumers and businesses.
Speaking alongside IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, Dr. Asiama revealed that forthcoming legislation—the Virtual Asset Providers Act—will empower the central bank to license and supervise cryptocurrency operations. “We cannot prevent this technology, so we must move quickly to regulate it,” he stated. The Bank of Ghana is establishing a dedicated unit to oversee digital assets and ensure compliance within the sector.
The regulatory framework will require mandatory registration for Virtual Asset Service Providers, enforce anti-money laundering protocols, and implement enhanced internal controls. These measures build upon draft guidelines the central bank issued in August 2024, which provided initial oversight of Ghana’s cryptocurrency market.
Dr. Asiama also reaffirmed plans to introduce the eCedi, Ghana’s central bank digital currency first announced in 2021 as part of efforts to promote financial inclusion and digitize the economy. However, he cautioned investors about cryptocurrency volatility, urging careful consideration of risks before engaging with digital assets.
Ghana’s proactive stance positions it among Africa’s leaders in developing structured digital finance regulation. The September 2025 timeline allows for further refinement of policies to balance innovation with consumer protection as the cryptocurrency market evolves. Industry observers will monitor how the regulations affect Ghana’s fintech sector, which has seen rapid growth despite operating without clear guidelines until now. The central bank’s approach may serve as a model for other African nations navigating the challenges of digital asset oversight.
