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Ghana Financial Services: New Virtual Assets Framework

On December 19, 2025, Ghana’s Parliament passed the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Bill, 2025, establishing a regulatory framework for virtual asset service providers operating in Ghana. The law legalizes cryptocurrency trading and related activities while introducing robust compliance and consumer protection measures.  

Under the new law, virtual assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum are now legal for trading in Ghana. They are not recognized as legal tender; the Ghanaian cedi remains the sole official currency. The bill requires all Virtual Asset Service Providers, such as exchanges, wallet providers, custodians, and payment platforms, to obtain licenses before operating. The Bank of Ghana will be the primary licensing authority. A newly established Virtual Assets Regulatory Office in the Bank of Ghana will oversee these efforts in coordination with the Ghanaian Securities and Exchange Commission and Financial Intelligence Center (FIC). 

In terms of compliance obligations, providers must implement Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing measures consistent with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines. Those guidelines are overseen by the FIC in Ghana. The law also mandates compliance with the Travel Rule, requiring the sharing of transaction data between service providers. Additional requirements include minimum capital thresholds, cybersecurity protocols, and regular audits and reporting to regulators.

Consumer protection is a central focus of the legislation. The bill introduces measures to safeguard customer funds, enhance transparency, and reduce fraud and systemic risk. The Ghana Revenue Authority will oversee enforcement of taxation on crypto-related income and gains. The specific tax rates have not yet been determined, however.  

For U.S. companies, the new law provides regulatory clarity and potentially creates opportunities to partner with local VASPs that seek technology and compliance expertise.   

To follow related developments and to download the full regulations and supporting regulations, some of which are still being developed, please see the Bank of Ghana’s dedicated webpage on this matter. 

For more information about doing business in Ghana, please contact Office.Accra@trade.gov. Please click here to see Commercial Service Ghana’s other market intelligence reporting.