Africa-Press – Ghana. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced plans to collaborate with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to tackle the spread of unlicensed investment schemes.
The initiative forms part of SEC’s broader strategy to deepen stakeholder engagement and shield the public from financial risks stemming from misinformation and deceptive investment promotions.
At a meeting with the GJA executive, Mr. Mensah Thompson, Deputy Director-General in charge of Finance at SEC, expressed concern over the misuse of emerging technologies.
“The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionised how technology is deployed to perpetuate crime,” he said.
He cited the use of manipulated audio-visuals featuring prominent personalities to promote fraudulent schemes on social media, noting, “In the past two months we have had cause to issue two statements over these fraudulent investment activities.”
Mr. Thompson stressed the importance of safeguarding investor confidence, especially as Ghana recovers from the domestic debt exchange programme.
“It is important for the regulator to ensure that economic gains are sustained, and Ghanaian citizens are protected,” he added.
SEC has already engaged key institutions including the Cyber Security Authority, Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), and the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service to address the issue.
Mr. Albert Dwumfour, President of the GJA, pledged the association’s support, stating, “Supporting a regulator like SEC is in line with the media’s core mandate of informing and educating citizens on where and how to properly invest their resources.”
He welcomed the inclusion of SEC’s activities in GJA’s monthly media engagements and praised the Commission’s recent reforms.
“We have observed SEC’s recent proactive initiative, such as the implementation of the capital master plan and the development of new guidelines for crowdfunding and green bonds.
“These are recommendable steps that show a forward-looking and innovative regulator,” he said.
Mr. Dwumfour also called for capacity-building programmes to enhance journalists’ understanding of the securities industry.
“We serve as the bridge between the regulator and the public. Without us, nobody will know what is happening,” he added.
Established under the Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929), SEC is mandated to regulate and promote the growth of a fair, efficient and transparent securities market that protects investors and upholds market integrity.
For More News And Analysis About Ghana Follow Africa-Press
