Ghana has formally legalized cryptocurrency trading after parliament passed the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, marking a major policy shift for one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s most active crypto markets. The timing aligns with earlier guidance from the central bank, which had signaled plans to introduce comprehensive crypto regulation by the end of 2025.
Bank of Ghana Governor Johnson Asiama confirmed the move during a public address on Friday at the BPG's annual Nine Lessons, Carols and Thanksgiving Service, saying
"Virtual asset trading is now legal, and no one will be arrested for engaging in cryptocurrency, but we now have a framework to manage the risks involved."
The legislation comes after the country managed to lay down a regulatory framework for digital assets after years of stalemate, finally removing long-standing uncertainty around the legal status of cryptocurrency activity in the country.
Under the new legislation, the Bank of Ghana becomes the primary authority responsible for supervising the crypto sector. The central bank now has the power to license, regulate and monitor crypto asset service providers, bringing exchanges and other intermediaries under formal oversight for the first time.
Asiama said the framework is designed to curb fraud, reduce money-laundering risks and address potential threats to financial stability, while also strengthening supervision across the broader financial system.
"What this means is that now we have the framework to manage it and to manage the risks that can involve that kind of activity. These are not just legal milestones; they are enablers of better policies, stronger supervision and more effective regulation."
The governor also mentioned that the crypto law is intended to support innovation and expand Ghana's financial inclusion, particularly among young people and tech-driven entrepreneurs.
Ghana’s decision comes as crypto usage accelerates across the region. According to Chainalysis’ 2025 Geography of Cryptocurrency Report, Ghana ranks among the top five Sub-Saharan African countries by total crypto value received between July 2024 and June 2025, highlighting the country’s growing role in Africa’s digital asset economy.
But Nigeria continues to dominate the region, receiving at least $92 billion in crypto value over the period, or nearly three times the amount recorded by South Africa, the report showed.
As Sub-Saharan Africa continues to record rapid growth in on-chain activity, Ghana’s move positions it as one of the region’s early adopters of structured crypto regulation, potentially setting a template for other emerging markets seeking to formalize the sector without stifling innovation.
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