Ghana Legalizes Cryptocurrency Trading with New Regulatory Framework
Ghana has ended years of regulatory ambiguity by legalizing cryptocurrency trading under a newly established framework. Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama announced the move on December 19, 2025, during the central bank’s annual thanksgiving service in Accra. "Virtual assets trading is now legal, and no one will be arrested for engaging in crypto," Asiama declared. "We now have the tools to manage the associated risks."
The decision follows years of unregulated growth in crypto adoption, despite warnings from the Bank of Ghana since 2018. The new law mandates licensing for crypto service providers, with oversight shared between the central bank and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Exchanges, wallet providers, and custody services must now register to operate legally.
Ghana’s shift from prohibition to regulation reflects the explosive demand for digital assets in West Africa. The framework aims to balance innovation with consumer protection, positioning Ghana as a regional leader in crypto policy.