Ghana to Introduce Crypto Licensing Bill to Parliament by September 2025

Highlights:

• Ghana will present a crypto licensing bill to parliament by September 2025 to manage digital asset activity.
• The Bank of Ghana directed all crypto service providers to register by August 15 ahead of new licensing rules.
• Over three million Ghanaians use crypto, and the central bank aims to bring these activities under formal control.

The Bank of Ghana plans to introduce a new legal framework to manage digital asset activities. Governor Johnson Asiama stated that the central bank will submit the proposal to Parliament by September 2025. This step follows increased cryptocurrency use in the country, which has created challenges in monitoring financial activity. The bank wants to ensure that crypto-related businesses operate under clear rules. As part of the plan, it directed all Virtual Asset Service Providers to register by August 15.

GHANA TO INTRODUCE CRYPTO PLATFORM LICENSING FRAMEWORK BY SEPTEMBER

Ghana’s central bank plans to present a draft regulatory framework to parliament by September to license virtual asset platforms nationwide.

With 3 million adults (17% of the population) using crypto, the move… https://t.co/qOPKOm8XWn pic.twitter.com/qk2DZgNse6

— Crypto Town Hall (@Crypto_TownHall) July 24, 2025

Asiama explained that many Ghanaians already use cryptocurrencies for daily transactions. However, the exact number remains unknown due to the lack of a formal system. This has made it difficult for authorities to track how digital currencies affect the economy. According to him, the growing use of crypto also affects the local currency. The cedi gained 40% in value over the past year, after falling 25% the year before, showing the pressure from unmonitored financial activity.

Ghana aims to use the upcoming law to gather financial data and reduce risk. The framework will help the central bank monitor crypto flows more closely. It will also support the collection of accurate information on how digital assets are used across the country. The new rules will guide businesses offering wallet services, exchanges, and token issuance. Additionally, it will include clear steps for identity verification and anti-money laundering practices.

Crypto Licensing Bill Set for September Submission to Parliament

The Virtual Asset Service Providers Act will set up a clear process for licensing crypto firms. The law will move Ghana from a basic registration phase to a structured licensing system. It will explain how companies must handle identity checks and operate transparently.

South Africa has already taken a similar path and licensed 248 crypto service providers. Another 56 applications remain under review in that country. Ghana’s new bill follows a similar pattern as it tries to organize the digital asset space. This approach may also help position Ghana as a regional leader in digital finance. Meanwhile, Kenya is in the race to become the first country in East Africa to pass its VASP bill. Outside Africa, Pakistan recently started its Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority to regulate and control its flourishing digital assets market.

Kenya to roll out national crypto policy and VASP bill – Techpoint Africa https://t.co/d9h4xT2EO9

— Nexus (@GOVALERTS) July 21, 2025

Crypto transactions made in Ghana were $3 billion in the period between July 2023 and June 2024, according to the Bloomberg report. This figure is less than that of Nigeria, which is at $59 billion, but it is an indication of increasing demand. The use of digital currencies among adults is over three million in Ghana, or about 17% of the total population.

Digital Asset Oversight Expected to Attract Investment

The bank of Ghana hopes this framework will increase investor confidence in the local digital economy. International companies might be able to come into the market easily now that there are formal systems. This would introduce additional capital and partnerships to the evolving fintech industry in the country. The legislation will also facilitate financial inclusion by providing a secure environment to users.

The authorities feel that the move will enable the country to conform to the international standards. The bank will collaborate with stakeholders to complete the details as the public consultations proceed.