Ghana: Parliament adopted Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2025 including registration requirement

On 12 December 2025, Parliament adopted the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2025, which includes a registration requirement, on third reading. The Act's date of entry into force will be announced. The Act will apply to virtual asset service providers providing such a service from or in Ghana. Virtual assets are defined as digital representations of value that can be digitally traded or used for payment, though excluding central bank digital currencies and representations of fiat currency. Section 7 requires all providers who are not subject to a licensing requirement in the Act's schedule or exempted to apply for registration. According to the schedule, services that must be registered include non-custodial wallet services, virtual asset insurance, and virtual asset advocacy. The relevant regulatory agency for each service type is set out in the schedule. Failure to register is subject to possible penalties, including fines and imprisonment of up to 10 years. Registration is generally valid for 12 months, subject to renewal. Section 51 sets out the conditions under which regulatory authorities can waive the registration requirement for a supervised person.