Ghana’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced new restrictions on overseas investments by local fund managers to safeguard the Ghanaian cedi and strengthen macroeconomic stability. The regulator said the measures aim to retain capital within the country and reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves as Ghana continues to recover from recent economic challenges, Reuters reported.
Under the new rules, local funds may allocate no more than 20% of their assets under management to foreign securities, a significant reduction from previous practices where some funds invested the majority of their portfolios abroad. Funds with higher prior offshore exposure will now be capped at 70%, according to the Voice of Africa.
The SEC also specified that foreign investments will be allowed only in jurisdictions with financial information‑sharing agreements with Ghana, enhancing regulatory oversight of cross-border holdings. The directive comes as Ghana nears the conclusion of a three-year support programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), scheduled to end in August.
CNBC Africa noted that the policy is intended to encourage investment in domestic bonds, equities, and productive sectors, improve market liquidity, and bolster the cedi. The move balances openness to global finance with prudent management of exchange rate risks and external vulnerabilities, strengthening Ghana’s financial stability.
