The Bank of Ghana has extended the registration deadline for International Money Transfer Operators operating in the country to July 31, 2026, giving existing operators additional time to regularise their operations.
In a notice dated June 12, 2026, the central bank announced that the deadline, originally set in January 2026, has been pushed back to allow existing IMTOs to submit all required documentation.
The initial notice, issued on January 20, 2026, had set out the guidelines for registration and operations of International Money Transfer Operators in Ghana.
Final opportunity to regularise
The Bank of Ghana urged all existing IMTOs to take advantage of the extension to regularise their operations and submit all required documentation on or before the stated deadline.
“For the avoidance of doubt, existing IMTOs that fail to comply with the registration requirements within the stipulated timeframe shall not be permitted to operate in Ghana,” the notice stated.
Consequences for non-compliance
The central bank warned that any existing arrangements or partnerships with banks, specialised deposit-taking institutions and payment service providers shall be rendered null and void for non-compliant operators.
“Such entities may be subject to further regulatory and enforcement actions as prescribed under applicable laws,” the notice added.
All regulated institutions have been directed to ensure strict adherence to the directive.
Background
International Money Transfer Operators play a critical role in Ghana’s remittance ecosystem, facilitating the flow of funds from Ghanaians abroad to families and businesses at home. Ghana is one of the largest recipients of remittances in sub-Saharan Africa, with billions of dollars flowing into the country annually through formal and informal channels.
The Bank of Ghana has been working to bring all money transfer operators under a unified regulatory framework to enhance consumer protection, improve data reporting and combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
The extension of the deadline suggests that the central bank is taking a pragmatic approach, recognising that some operators may need additional time to meet the documentation and compliance requirements.
Enforcement expected
With the new deadline set for the end of July, operators now have approximately six weeks to complete their registration. The Bank of Ghana has made it clear that no further extensions will be granted, and non-compliant operators will be shut down.
Banks, specialised deposit-taking institutions and payment service providers have been directed to ensure strict adherence to the directive. This means that financial institutions must verify that any IMTO they partner with is duly registered with the central bank.
The notice was signed by Aimee Vyda Quashie, Secretary of the Bank of Ghana. For further enquiries or technical assistance, the Bank directed IMTOs to contact the Head of the Payment Systems Department at
The deadline for registration now stands at 31st July 2026. Operators who fail to comply will not be permitted to operate in Ghana, and their partnerships with local financial institutions will be rendered null and void. The Bank of Ghana has indicated that further regulatory and enforcement actions may follow for non-compliant entities.
