Bitcoin News Today: Ghana to License Bitcoin Platforms by September 2025 Aiming to Regulate $3 Billion Crypto Market

Ghana is advancing plans to license Bitcoin and cryptocurrency platforms by September 2025, aiming to regulate approximately $3 billion in annual crypto transactions and integrate digital assets into its formal financial system. The Bank of Ghana, led by Governor Johnson Asiama, has emphasized the urgency of addressing unregulated crypto activity, which currently escapes official economic data and complicates monetary policy. With nearly 3 million Ghanaians actively using cryptocurrencies—nearly 17% of the adult population—the initiative seeks to enhance transparency, improve data accuracy, and stabilize the Ghanaian cedi amid broader economic challenges.

The central bank’s licensing framework will formalize digital asset transactions, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and enabling oversight of crypto payments. Governor Asiama acknowledged the economy’s "late" entry into crypto regulation but stressed the necessity of capturing these transactions to refine monetary policy and inflation control. "We are actually late in the game," Asiama stated, noting that unrecorded crypto activity creates gaps in financial data, undermining the effectiveness of policy measures [1].

The initiative coincides with Ghana’s economic context: a 13.7% inflation rate as of June 2025 and a 28% policy interest rate—the highest real rate in two decades. The cedi has seen significant fluctuations, appreciating 48% over the past year following a 25% depreciation earlier. By incorporating crypto transactions into official financial records, regulators aim to improve economic forecasting and stabilize the currency. The Bank of Ghana also highlighted that licensing will foster trust in digital asset markets, provide clearer compliance guidelines for businesses, and protect consumers [1].

Ghana’s move aligns with broader regional trends. While Nigeria led sub-Saharan Africa with $59 billion in crypto transactions between July 2023 and June 2024, the region’s total crypto activity reached $125 billion during the same period. Ghana’s regulatory approach reflects efforts to standardize crypto markets across Africa, balancing innovation with financial stability. The central bank plans to submit the licensing framework to parliament by September 2025, signaling a structured timeline to formalize the sector [1].

Critically, the policy is expected to address risks associated with unregulated crypto use. By capturing digital asset activity, the Bank of Ghana aims to refine its understanding of how crypto transactions influence inflation, exchange rates, and broader economic stability. Industry leaders have underscored the importance of integrating cryptocurrencies into formal systems to support sustainable growth and economic planning [1].

The licensing framework is anticipated to benefit both businesses and consumers. Regulated platforms will offer clearer compliance guidelines, encouraging wider adoption of digital assets within Ghana’s economy. For users, the move is expected to enhance trust in crypto transactions and provide a legal framework for dispute resolution. The central bank also anticipates improved transparency, which could attract foreign investment and position Ghana as a leader in responsible crypto regulation [1].

As the deadline approaches, the Bank of Ghana has reiterated its commitment to balancing innovation with oversight. While challenges remain in adapting to the fast-evolving crypto landscape, the licensing initiative represents a pivotal step toward integrating digital assets into Ghana’s monetary system. The outcome could serve as a model for other African nations seeking to harness the potential of cryptocurrencies while mitigating risks [1].

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Source: [1] Ghana Considers Licensing Bitcoin Platforms to Enhance Oversight of Growing Crypto Transactions (https://en.coinotag.com/ghana-considers-licensing-bitcoin-platforms-to-enhance-oversight-of-growing-crypto-transactions/)