SEC warns youth against high-risk investments
The Board Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr Adu Anane Antwi, has cautioned the youth against high-risk investment schemes disguised as quick money opportunities.
Instead, he said they should consider safer alternatives such as government-backed Treasury bills to secure their financial future.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 National Youth Investment and Financial Literacy Programme in Accra, he said developing a savings and investment culture early in life can transform the economic prospects of Ghana’s youth.
“Every investment comes with some level of risk, but the government’s short-term Treasury bills are among the safest. If a young man aged 20 invests GH¢5,000 in Treasury bills today and continuously rolls it over until retirement, that individual could end up a millionaire,” he stated.
Launch
The programme by the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) in partnership with the Young Investors Network (YIN) and other industry players forms part of an effort to increase awareness and deepen financial literacy in the country.
It aims to promote interest in savings and investment amongst the youth to boost financial literacy.
The programme includes an Investment Training Tour to selected universities to create awareness of the capital market and also giving career guidance to students; a Stock Pitch Competition in which tertiary students are to recommend a listed company and give reasons why it is a viable investment option; and a Capital Market Quiz, which is an initiative to challenge senior high school students to increase their knowledge of savings and investment, activities on the capital market and entrepreneurship.
Impact
The Head of Marketing and Public Relations at the GSE, Jerry Boachie-Danquah, said a financially literate youth was a catalyst for national development and a financially informed citizenry was the bedrock of a vibrant capital market.
He revealed that in 2024, with the collective support of its partners; YIN and Central Securities Depository, the GSE reached over 88,500 students across 108 schools with financial literacy programmes.
“This is more than just a number—it is 88,500 future decision-makers, entrepreneurs, investors and leaders who are now better equipped to understand, manage and grow their finances.
By working hand in hand with the CSD and YIN, we are creating a nationwide platform to reach even more young people. This is about accessibility, relevance and long-term impact,” he stated.