Ghana has officially legalized cryptocurrency trading through the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, 2025, bringing regulatory clarity to 3 million users and creating a comprehensive framework for digital asset oversight.
Ghana parliament has officially legalized cryptocurrency trading nationwide through the passage of the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, 2025. The West African nation joins a growing list of countries choosing regulation over resistance in the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape.
According to WuBlockchain on X, the parliament has passed legislation legalizing the widespread use of cryptocurrencies, creating a regulatory framework for digital assets and virtual asset service providers. The move aims to formalize crypto adoption, address central bank concerns over unregulated use, and strengthen oversight of exchanges and related platforms.
Bank of Ghana Takes Control of Digital Asset Market
Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama confirmed the framework ensures that emerging activity is brought within clear, accountable, and well-governed boundaries. The governor made this announcement during the central bank's annual thanksgiving service in Accra.
Asiama confirmed that no one will be arrested for engaging in crypto. This declaration removes years of uncertainty surrounding digital asset transactions in the country. The law introduces licensing requirements and supervision rules for crypto platforms operating within Ghana's borders.
The new framework empowers the Bank of Ghana to license exchanges, wallet providers, and other virtual asset service providers. These entities must now comply with cybersecurity standards, capital requirements, and anti-money laundering regulations aligned with Financial Action Task Force guidelines.
Ghana's decision responds to mounting concerns from the central bank over unregulated trading and payments. Previously, commercial banks and licensed financial institutions were prohibited from facilitating cryptocurrency transactions, forcing the sector to grow informally.
Millions of Ghanaians Already Using Digital Assets
Approximately 3 million people are regular users of crypto in Ghana with transactions registering almost $3 billion. This represents about 17 percent of the adult population, driven by factors including remittances, hedging against inflation, and financial inclusion for unbanked youth.
Popular coins include bitcoin, USDT and Ethereum, often traded on Binance and KuCoin. The country has emerged as one of the top-five crypto adopters in Sub-Saharan Africa, alongside Ethiopia and Kenya.
Economic circumstances have contributed significantly to crypto's rapid adoption. The cedi depreciated approximately 25 percent during 2024 before appreciating by approximately 48 percent during 2025. This volatility pushed many Ghanaians toward digital assets as a hedge against currency instability.
The framework targets gaps that previously allowed platforms and intermediaries to operate without clear legal status. Under the new law, the Bank of Ghana cryptocurrency policy framework now extends to licensing a broad range of digital asset businesses.
Cryptocurrencies remain not legal tender in Ghana. The Ghana cedi retains sole legal tender status, meaning merchants cannot demand crypto payments. This distinction protects monetary sovereignty while allowing supervised trading activity.
Ghana's move follows a wider regional trend. Kenya recently legalized Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, setting clear guidelines for exchanges. Nigeria and South Africa are shifting from outright restrictions to structured regulation.
The transition now requires implementation. Market participants expect further Bank of Ghana guidance on prudential rules, capital standards, and reporting duties. Questions remain on how legacy operators will transition into the new regime.
Ghana's proactive stance signals confidence in digital assets' role in future economic growth. With legal clarity now in place, the West African nation is positioned to integrate crypto more seamlessly into its economy while balancing innovation with necessary safeguards.
Key Takeaways:
Ghana parliament legalizes crypto trading for 3 million users through new regulatory framework nationwide Bank of Ghana empowered to license exchanges and virtual asset service providers with clear oversight rules Digital assets reach $3 billion in transactions as Ghana joins African nations choosing regulation over bans
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Ghana Legalizes Crypto Trading For 3 Million Users
Ghana parliament passes law legalizing cryptocurrency trading for 3 million users. Bank of Ghana creates regulatory framework for digital assets nationwide.