According to ghana news agency: 'Understanding the Role of the SEC in the Ghanaian Capital Market.'
Dr. James Klutse Avedzi, Chief Executive Officer of SEC, encouraged students to begin their financial journey early. 'At age 15 or 18, you may think saving isn't relevant to you, but now is the best time to start. Even small savings can grow into big dreams whether it's starting a business or buying a home,' he said.
He stressed the need for students to serve as 'financial champions' in their homes urging them to 'Teach their parents and siblings how to avoid scams and make smart financial choices.' He also likened the SEC to a 'financial superhero' committed to protecting investments and ensuring market fairness.
Dr. Avedzi warned against 'Ponzi' schemes, urging students to look out for suspicious promises of high returns. 'If someone promises unusually high returns with no risk, that's a red flag,' he cautioned. At the forum, participants received hands-on training in budgeting, savings, and investment tools such as mutual funds, fixed deposits, and government bonds.
Dr. Jacob Adu, Head of Department for Issuers at SEC, advised students to 'shop smart, include savings in your monthly budgets, and avoid debt by borrowing responsibly.' Mr. Callis Nii Oman Badoo, Head of Legal and Enforcement at SEC, outlined enforcement tools the Commission uses to regulate and maintain integrity in Ghana's capital market. These include suspension and revocation of licences, freezing orders, cease and desist notices, disqualifications, administrative penalties, and criminal sanctions such as fines and imprisonment.
Dr. Godwin Ansah, Head of Communications and External Affairs at SEC, highlighted the Commission's multi-platform approach in its public education campaigns. 'We are using traditional media, social media and school visits to educate the public. We have updated lists of licensed institutions on our website for anyone to verify,' he said. He further revealed that SEC used a colour-coded system on its website to alert the public about entities with regulatory issues. 'If a scheme sounds too good to be true, it most likely is,' he reiterated.
Mrs. Mariam Jemima Adzroe, Volta Regional Deputy Director of Education, applauded SEC for bridging the gap between theory and practical knowledge. 'This is a necessary intervention. Your presence here shows a strong commitment to nationwide youth development,' she stated. Quoting Confucius, Mrs. Adzroe emphasized, 'Knowing without practice is useless, and practice without knowing is dangerous.' She encouraged students to absorb the knowledge and educate their families as well.
Master Jacob Aboagye, a student from Vakpo Technical SHS, expressed gratitude and suggested consistency. 'I wish SEC can organise this programme every quarter to keep the youth from being scammed,' he said. The outreach concluded with a reaffirmation of SEC's commitment to continue its nationwide campaign to promote financial awareness and literacy, particularly among Ghana's youth and informal sector workers.
As part of this campaign, the SEC remains dedicated to protecting Ghanaian investors through education, regulation, and enforcement to ensure a safe and transparent capital market.
