The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has acknowledged growing concerns among Ghanaian content creators who are struggling to access earnings from international digital platforms such as X, and has announced a formal review to determine the root causes of the payment bottlenecks.
In a statement issued on April 20, 2026, the central bank clarified that income generated from these platforms is classified as service export proceeds and is fully permissible under Ghana’s foreign exchange regulations. This means creators who earn revenue from global platforms are legally entitled to receive and use those funds within the country’s financial system.
Despite this clarity, the BoG admitted that a number of creators continue to face challenges accessing their earnings. “The Bank acknowledges concerns raised by some creators regarding difficulties accessing these funds. When transactions are processed correctly, such challenges should not ordinarily arise,” the Bank of Ghana stated.
This acknowledgement represents the first time the central bank has publicly recognised the difficulties confronting Ghana’s expanding digital workforce, which includes content creators, influencers, freelancers, and online entrepreneurs who depend heavily on international platforms for income.
Growing concerns among creators
For several months, many creators have voiced frustration over delayed, restricted, or failed payments from major platforms including YouTube, TikTok, and X. In numerous cases, earnings—often paid in foreign currencies—have either been delayed by intermediary banks or declined outright by local financial institutions.
These disruptions have had real financial consequences, especially for individuals who rely on digital income as their primary livelihood. Some creators report waiting weeks or even months to access funds, while others say transactions are repeatedly flagged or returned without clear explanations.
The BoG noted that such earnings can be received through Foreign Exchange Accounts held with banks in Ghana, or credited into Ghana cedi accounts, as long as the transactions comply with the applicable regulatory framework. However, the persistence of these challenges suggests a disconnect between policy provisions and their practical implementation within the banking system.
Central bank initiates review
In response to mounting complaints, the Bank of Ghana has launched an active review and is engaging with financial institutions and other stakeholders to pinpoint where the breakdowns are occurring.
“The Bank appreciates the feedback received from affected persons. BoG is actively reviewing the matter and engaging with relevant institutions to identify the source of the issues and ensure prompt resolution,” the statement read.
This review is expected to examine the role of intermediary banks, payment processors, and local financial institutions in handling cross-border digital transactions. It may also assess whether compliance procedures, documentation requirements, or internal banking policies are contributing to the delays.
Commitment to a solution
The central bank has assured affected creators that resolving the issue is a priority and that engagement with stakeholders will continue throughout the review process. The aim is to ensure that legitimate digital earnings flow smoothly into the country without unnecessary obstacles.
“The Bank will continue to engage affected stakeholders throughout this process. The BoG remains committed to maintaining a stable and enabling financial system that supports legitimate cross-border transactions, including digital platform earnings classified as service exports,” the statement concluded.
As Ghana’s digital economy continues to expand, the outcome of this review will be closely watched. For many creators, a timely resolution could restore confidence in the financial system and reinforce the country’s position as a supportive environment for digital innovation and global online work.
