Ghana moves to regulate $10bn crypto market as VASP Act takes effect

Ghana has taken a decisive step to regulate its rapidly expanding digital asset market following President John Dramani Mahama’s signing of the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Bill into law.

The legislation comes against the backdrop of explosive growth in cryptocurrency usage in the country. As of November 2025, Ghana recorded more than US$10 billion in crypto transactions, up from approximately US$6 billion in 2024, according to official figures. Authorities say the scale of activity made regulation unavoidable.

The new law brings transparency and accountability to a sector that has grown largely outside formal oversight. It introduces mandatory licensing and supervision for all virtual asset service providers, aiming to protect consumers, curb fraud and money-laundering risks, and integrate digital assets into the formal financial system.

Responsibility for regulation will be shared between the Bank of Ghana and the Securities and Exchange Commission. The BoG will supervise payment-related services and stablecoins, while the SEC will regulate exchanges, custodial wallets, token issuances and other investment-focused activities.

The VASP Act received bipartisan support in Parliament and backing from the Presidency, the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Ghana, the SEC and industry players. Market operators have welcomed the law, saying regulatory clarity will help attract institutional investors and responsible innovation.

With the law now in force, virtual asset service providers operating in Ghana are expected to prepare for compliance, including meeting licensing, capital, solvency and reporting requirements once detailed rules are issued in 2026.

Ghana’s move aligns it with other African economies such as Kenya and Nigeria that have introduced clearer crypto regulations as part of broader efforts to modernise financial systems and expand financial inclusion. Regulators believe the framework will boost investor confidence and strengthen Ghana’s ambition to become a regional hub for regulated digital asset services.