Ghana is positioning itself as a major player in Africa’s growing digital finance industry, with the government intensifying efforts to regulate cryptocurrency, virtual assets and blockchain technology to promote financial inclusion, consumer protection and innovation.
Speaking at the maiden Africa Virtual Asset Summit (AVAS) 2026 in Accra, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a secure and inclusive digital asset ecosystem.
The summit was held under the theme “Tokenisation: Africa’s Pathway Towards Building a Trusted, Inclusive and Innovative Digital Asset Ecosystem.”
The Minister disclosed that Ghana ranks 29th globally in cryptocurrency adoption, with approximately 3.1 million citizens participating in digital asset activities.
He explained that Ghana was adopting a regulatory approach rather than banning cryptocurrency, recognising the growing role of digital assets in financial technology, investment and the global digital economy.
A major step towards achieving this objective is Parliament’s passage of the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2025 (Act 1154), which establishes a legal framework for regulating virtual asset businesses.
The legislation introduces licensing requirements, consumer protection measures and anti-money laundering standards to improve transparency, strengthen financial security and protect cryptocurrency users.
Samuel Nartey George stressed that virtual assets represent an important part of the evolving global financial system and that Ghana intends to regulate the industry to make it safer and more beneficial to citizens.
Ghana Expands Digital Infrastructure and 5G Connectivity
The Minister also highlighted investments in digital infrastructure as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s technology ecosystem.
Among the government’s priorities is achieving 70 per cent 5G population coverage by March 2027 to improve internet connectivity, support digital businesses and accelerate technological innovation.
The integration of the GhanaCard biometric identification system is also expected to strengthen identity verification, improve digital security and support compliance within the virtual asset industry.
He further emphasised the importance of Africa developing its own digital capabilities rather than depending heavily on external technology systems.
One Million Coders Programme to Support Ghana’s Digital Economy
The Minister identified youth empowerment and technology education as essential components of Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.
Initiatives such as the One Million Coders Programme are expected to equip young people with relevant digital skills, including software development and other technology-related competencies, to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
He called on African countries to strengthen cooperation, invest in technology infrastructure and establish effective regulatory systems to support innovation and digital financial services.
The Africa Virtual Asset Summit 2026 provides a platform for regulators, cryptocurrency industry players, investors and international partners to discuss the future of tokenisation, blockchain technology and digital financial services across the continent.
Ghana’s participation and regulatory reforms highlight the country’s ambition to develop a trusted digital asset ecosystem that promotes investment, financial inclusion, cybersecurity and sustainable economic growth.
Source: newsthemegh.com