Africa-Press – Ghana. Dr. James Klutse Avedzi, Acting Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has reiterated the Commission’s commitment to financial empowerment, investor protection, and the development of a fair and transparent capital market.
Speaking at an investor education forum held in Ho on Thursday, Dr. Avedzi explained that the SEC, established under the Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929), existed to regulate and promote Ghana’s securities industry with a clear mission to ensure the growth of an efficient, fair, and transparent market that protected both investors and the integrity of the system.
Dr. Avedzi stated that the Commission’s nationwide investor education initiative, dubbed “Time with the SEC,” was aimed at bridging the knowledge gap among investors and protecting them from fraudulent schemes.
“A well-informed investor is a well-protected investor,” he said. “When people understand the market, have access to licensed products and accurate information, they can generate wealth, create jobs, and contribute to Ghana’s economic growth.”
He warned of the increasing danger of unregulated and fraudulent investment schemes, which have in recent times devastated the finances of many Ghanaians.
He said SEC was strengthening its surveillance systems and building an investor protection fund to rebuild trust and confidence in the market.
Dr. Avedzi also emphasised SEC Ghana’s global outlook, citing its membership in the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and the West Africa Securities Regulators Association (WASRA).
These affiliations ensure that Ghana’s capital market meets international regulatory standards and is attractive to both local and international investors.
The event offered practical insights into savings, personal finance management, and investment strategies.
Participants were educated on legitimate investment opportunities, including collective investment schemes, bonds, and mutual funds, and how to identify and report suspicious activities.
“If an investment promises returns that seem too good to be true, they probably are,” Dr. Avedzi cautioned.
“Always verify the legitimacy of the investment and the licensing status of the operator with the SEC.”
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, expressed delight at the forum, stating it was timely and aligned perfectly with the Volta Economic Corridor, a key component of the recently launched 24-hour economy project under President John Dramani Mahama.
“The Volta Economic Corridor is a transformative industrial plan aimed at turning the Volta River Basin into an economic, logistics, and production hub. It will host agro-ecological parks, industrial zones, and inland transport systems to facilitate low-cost north-south trade,” he said.
Mr. Gunu emphasised that the SEC’s mandate to promote transparency and investor confidence was critical to the success of such economic initiatives.
He praised the SEC’s current leadership for demystifying the Commission’s work and bringing it closer to the people.
However, he also lamented past failures in regulatory oversight which led to the collapse of investment banks and the erosion of public trust.
He challenged financial regulators to reflect on their past roles and take proactive steps to protect the investments of Ghanaians going forward.
The forum brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including traditional leaders, Municipal and District Chief Executives, civil society organisations, security agencies, artisan groups, youth associations, students, and other prominent individuals.
Various departmental heads of the SEC led sessions that focused on savings habits, investment planning, risk awareness, and detection of Ponzi schemes, ensuring participants left empowered with practical tools for financial success.
“We are here to provide the tools, the knowledge, and the oversight to help you make informed financial decisions,” Dr. Avedzi assured.
The forum formed part of a national outreach campaign by the SEC to build a resilient, inclusive, and investor-friendly capital market.
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