BoG Extends Deadline for International Money Transfer Operators Registration to July 31
The Bank of Ghana has given International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) a temporary reprieve, extending the deadline for their registration to July 31, 2026, in a move expected to safeguard remittance flows, preserve partnerships with financial institutions and support the orderly regulation of a sector that channels billions of cedis into the economy each year.
The extension offers existing operators additional time to meet regulatory requirements under the central bank’s new framework while avoiding disruptions to international money transfer services that support households, businesses and communities across the country.
In a notice issued on June 12, 2026, the Bank of Ghana said the decision follows its earlier directive, Notice No. BG/GOV/SEC/2026/02, issued on January 20, 2026, on the registration and operations of International Money Transfer Operators in Ghana.
According to the central bank, all existing IMTOs are expected to take advantage of the extension to regularise their operations and submit the required documentation on or before the new deadline.
The registration exercise forms part of broader efforts by the Bank of Ghana to strengthen oversight of international remittance services, improve compliance within the payments ecosystem and ensure that all operators meet the regulatory standards governing the sector.
The extension is expected to benefit IMTOs, banks, Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions (SDIs) and Payment Service Providers (PSPs) by providing additional time to complete compliance processes while maintaining uninterrupted service delivery.
Remittance inflows remain one of Ghana’s most important sources of foreign exchange, supporting household consumption, education, healthcare, investment and small business activity. Industry observers say ensuring that operators remain compliant while maintaining service continuity is critical to preserving confidence in the country’s remittance ecosystem.
However, the central bank cautioned that the extension should not be viewed as an open-ended concession.
It warned that any existing IMTO that fails to comply with the registration requirements by July 31, 2026, will not be permitted to operate in Ghana.
The Bank further stated that any arrangements or partnerships involving non-compliant IMTOs and banks, SDIs or PSPs would automatically become null and void after the deadline.
“Consequently, any existing arrangements or partnerships with Banks, Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions (SDIs), and Payment Service Providers (PSPs) shall be rendered null and void,” the notice stated.
The Bank added that entities that fail to comply could face further regulatory and enforcement actions in accordance with applicable laws.
All regulated institutions have therefore been directed to ensure strict adherence to the directive.
The latest extension underscores the Bank of Ghana’s determination to bring all international money transfer activities within a fully regulated framework while balancing compliance requirements with the need to maintain efficient remittance services.
