GSE is a game-changer for businesses seeking growth

By Sylvana TEIMAN

I vividly remember walking into the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) for the first time. I was eager to learn, but admittedly, I had only a surface-level understanding of what stock exchanges did. Stocks, shares, and dividends — that’s what came to mind.

But the more I immersed myself, the more I saw the true heartbeat of the GSE: capital. And not just capital, but accessible, affordable, and Ghanaian-backed capital.

My journey with the GSE has been eye-opening. I’ve had a front-row seat to how local businesses are using the Exchange not only to stay afloat, but to scale — sustainably.

I’ve witnessed what many overlook: that capital raising isn’t just a financial move; it’s a growth strategy, a trust-building process, and ultimately, a catalyst for national development.

Let me share one example that continues to inspire me.

Kasapreko PLC — one of Ghana’s proudly homegrown beverage companies set out to raise GH¢600 million over three years through the Ghana Fixed Income Market (GFIM). Many doubted whether it could be done. But in just one year, Kasapreko raised over GH¢350 million, and at a cost that was 10percent cheaper than traditional financing routes.

That is significant.

It’s not only a testament to the strength of the GSE as a financing vehicle, but also proof that our own financial systems are maturing to support real sector growth.

What’s even more inspiring is that the capital raised wasn’t just a win for the business, it opened the door for everyday Ghanaians and institutional investors to invest in the economy directly. That’s the multiplier effect of a strong capital market.

Too many businesses still rely solely on traditional financing routes for loans. While that works in some instances, it often comes with high interest rates, short repayment windows, and limited flexibility.

The GSE offers a different path — one that encourages long-term thinking, governance improvements, and shared prosperity.

Through public listings, corporate bonds, and other instruments, businesses can tap into funds without diluting their values or overburdening their cash flows. It’s a smarter, more strategic way to grow — and it’s working right here in Ghana.

Yet, this alternative is still underutilized. Many entrepreneurs think the Exchange is reserved for large corporations or foreign investors.

The truth? The GSE now has tailored platforms for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), like the GAX (Ghana Alternative Market). And it’s open to businesses that are ready to grow responsibly, transparently, and with vision.

One of the most powerful things the stock exchange does and what I’ve grown to love most is that it fosters ownership. When Ghanaians invest in Ghanaian companies, they’re not just buying shares; they’re buying into progress. They’re supporting job creation, value addition, and wealth circulation within our borders.

And for the business owner, raising capital through the Exchange sends a signal that you are ready to play in a bigger league, that you are accountable, and that you believe in your own long-term vision. This culture of ownership is what we need more of. Not just in the boardrooms, but in the markets, the classrooms, and our everyday financial decisions.

I have come to believe that Ghana does not have a capital problem, it has a capital alignment problem. What we need is a mindset shift: from short-term borrowing to long-term partnerships, from isolated financial decisions to collective market participation.

The Ghana Stock Exchange offers that bridge between ambition and action, between local businesses and the capital they need. And if Kasapreko’s story is anything to go by, then I’m confident many more businesses — including yours can leverage this platform to scale, to compete, and to lead.

In my personal and professional experience, the GSE is not just a market; it’s a movement. One that gives businesses the resources they need and gives Ghanaians the opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves.

So, if you’re a business owner wondering how to fund your next big move or an investor looking for meaningful ways to grow your portfolio — take a second look at the Ghana Stock Exchange. The tools are here. The success stories are real. And the future is undeniably ours to shape.

>>>the writer is a student at the University of Ghana Business School, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a strong focus on Accounting and Finance. She currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council and is the Publicity Head for Enactus University of Ghana. Her passion for finance is reflected in her active membership with the Young Investors Network, where she supports initiatives in partnership with the Ghana Stock Exchange to promote youth investment.

Sylvana is the winner of the 2024 KPMG Internal Audit Article Writing Competition, recognizing her analytical strength and commitment to financial excellence. She has also gained hands-on industry experience through internships with the Ghana Stock Exchange, KPMG, and the African Regent Hotel. She can be reached via 0208395962 and or [email protected], http://linkedin.com/in/sylvanateiman

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