Ghana is preparing to introduce a formal licensing regime for cryptocurrency platforms, marking a significant step in the country’s approach to digital assets. The Bank of Ghana has announced plans to begin issuing licenses to crypto-related firms by September 2025, following a surge in adoption and transaction volumes.
According to Governor Johnson Asiama, draft guidelines will be submitted to Parliament in the coming months. The framework aims to bring structure to a rapidly expanding sector that has so far operated without official oversight. The central bank hopes the move will enhance financial surveillance, protect consumers, and capture tax revenues from crypto flows previously outside the formal system
Recent figures suggest 17% of Ghanaian adults, around 3 million people, actively use cryptocurrencies. In just one year (July 2023 to June 2024), the country saw over $3 billion in crypto transactions. This puts Ghana among Africa’s most active crypto markets, behind Nigeria’s $59 billion during the same period.
The decision comes amid macroeconomic reforms as the cedi regains strength following a sharp 2023 depreciation. Ghana’s central bank is under pressure to modernize financial oversight while fostering innovation in fintech and cross-border payments.
Governor Asiama acknowledged that the country is “late in the game,” but stressed the urgency of catching up with fast-changing financial behaviors driven by digital currencies and decentralized finance.
