Ghana Reopens Talks with PayPal to Unlock Full Access and Expand Digital Trade

Government has officially resumed negotiations with global payments platform PayPal, seeking to restore full access to its services for Ghanaian users a move expected to significantly boost digital commerce, cross-border trade, and financial inclusion.

Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, disclosed the development during the Government’s Accountability Series held at the Jubilee House on Friday, August 1, 2025.

“The ministry has formally reopened engagement with PayPal to restore full access to its service for Ghanaian users. We are working closely with the Governor of the Bank of Ghana to ensure PayPal is given access to our economy and our digital space. However, we will insist that PayPal complies with the regulations of the BoG.” Mr. George stated.

PayPal has issued Ghana a compliance roadmap, which outlines the technical, financial, and regulatory milestones the country must meet to achieve full on-boarding. The roadmap was submitted in June 2025, following months of diplomatic and policy-level outreach.

The renewed engagement marks a strategic pivot for Ghana’s digital economy agenda, with implications for freelancers, startups, small businesses, and creative professionals who have long been excluded from seamless international payment options.

“Securing PayPal access will remove a long-standing barrier to participation in the global digital economy and expand financial inclusion and cross-border trade opportunities for millions of Ghanaians,” the Minister added.

The push for PayPal integration aligns with Ghana’s broader digital transformation agenda, which seeks to attract tech-based foreign investment and strengthen fintech innovation. Sector analysts view PayPal’s re-entry as a critical enabler of e-commerce and diaspora remittances, given the platform’s widespread global adoption.

Despite increasing digital uptake, Ghana remains one of the few African countries without full PayPal functionality, a limitation that has stifled business potential and frustrated many users seeking to engage in international transactions.

The Minister’s announcement has been welcomed by the tech ecosystem, although stakeholders continue to urge timely execution, transparent regulatory frameworks, and clear protections for users once integration is achieved.

Negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming months as both parties work toward meeting compliance benchmarks that would usher Ghana into the fold of countries with full PayPal access.

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