The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) is pleased to announce the official launch of its Over-the-Counter (OTC) Market, a significant milestone aimed at broadening access to capital and enhancing market liquidity in unlisted securities. This innovative platform is the first regulated OTC securities market in Ghana and will provide a dynamic and flexible environment for the trading of financial instruments that are not listed on any of the Exchange’s markets.
GSE’s OTC market is a centralized market where trading occurs on an approved market infrastructure, facilitated by a network of dealers and brokers. It will contribute to increased market liquidity and provide investors with access to a broader range of financial instruments.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Alex Kwasi Awuah, MD of ARB Apex Bank Plc, who was the Keynote Speaker at the program said, ‘’The GSE OTC Market will not only provide a regulated platform for the trading of unlisted securities to enhance transparency and liquidity, but also further strengthen the corporate governance of the participating Rural and Community Banks to make them more attractive to investors.’’
The OTC market will allow for the trading of a wide variety of securities including ordinary shares, preferred shares, derivatives, depositary receipts, and securities from collective investment schemes such as unit trusts, mutual funds, hedge funds, and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).
In her speech, the Managing Director of the Ghana Stock Exchange, Abena Amoah said: “We are excited to launch the OTC market as part of our ongoing efforts to deepen and broaden the financial markets in Ghana. This platform will provide significant opportunities for companies to access capital and grow while offering investors new avenues for diversification and investment.
The Deputy Director General-Legal, of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in her remarks, said:’’The GSE OTC Market launch aligns with SEC’s 10-year Capital Market Master Plan to diversify the market to provide more investment options for investors and increase their participation to grow the capital market.’’
The GSE remains committed to continuous improvement and innovation in the financial markets. We will work closely with stakeholders, including regulatory authorities, market participants, and investors, to ensure the success of the OTC market and its integration into the broader financial system.
