The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has reminded the general public that the buying and selling of foreign currencies shall only be conducted with its licensed foreign currency dealers.

The central bank announced on Wednesday, July 31 that effective August 1, 2024, all licensed Foreign Exchange Bureaux will be required to use a centralised foreign exchange trading platform created by the BoG for the buying and selling of foreign currencies, the central bank.

This initiative is in line with the objective of the central bank to ensure the integrity and development of the financial system, the Bank of Ghana said.

In a statement, the Bank described the initiative as a milestone in its efforts to ensure safe and sound operations of the foreign exchange business.

The platform will improve oversight for Directors and Management of bureaux and enhance the Bank’s monitoring and supervision of their operations in compliance with the Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 (Act 723) and the Anti-Money Laundering Act, (Act 1044), as amended, and other relevant notices and enactments.

To ensure full utilisation and realisation of the system’s objectives, the following must

be adhered to:

i. Trading of Foreign Currencies with Licensed Dealers Only: The buying and

selling of foreign currencies shall only be conducted at Bank of Ghana licensed

foreign currencies dealers, which include licensed Foreign Exchange Bureaux.

ii. Usage of the Platform: All Foreign Exchange Bureaux transactions shall be

conducted on the new trading platform.

iii. Issuance of Electronic Receipt: Foreign Exchange Bureaux are required to

issue electronic receipt to customers for all purchases and sales of foreign

currencies.

iv. Verification of Customer Identity: In line with Bank of Ghana’s Notice No.

BG/GOV/SEC/01 titled “Use of Ghana Card for All Financial Transactions”, all

persons seeking to buy or sell foreign currencies must provide a Ghana Card or

Passport (for Foreign Nationals) and undergo biometric verification.

“The platform has been integrated with the National Identification System to ensure all

purchases and sales of foreign currencies are performed by verified individuals.

“It will also be integrated with the national payment platform to support electronic payments and the receipt of Ghana Cedis for foreign currency transactions at bureaux.

“The public is reminded that the buying and selling of foreign currencies shall only be

conducted with Bank of Ghana licensed foreign currencies dealers,” a statement issued by the BoG said.