DDEP: ACI Ghana President optimistic about financial market recovery

Lawrence Osilaja Boampong, President of ACI Ghana, has expressed confidence in the recovery of Ghana’s financial markets following the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).

Speaking on the sidelines at the Association’s Dinner, Awards, and Handing Over Night in Accra on January 25, 2025, Mr. Boampong reflected on the achievements of his first term and outlined his plans for the future.

“It’s been an amazing journey,” Mr. Boampong, whose mandate as President of the association was renewed, said. “I stepped into office with my colleagues at a time when investor confidence was starting to rebound after the DDEP. As an association, we set out to make the ACI brand more visible, educate market participants through our training platforms, and contribute to policy decisions, particularly through our role on the Ghana Fixed Income Market Committee. It’s been a fulfilling year, and I look forward to an exciting second term.”

The ACI Ghana President mentioned education and innovation are key pillars of Boampong’s vision for the future. He stressed the need to equip market participants with the skills to adapt to evolving financial dynamics.

“With the influx of new entrants into the market, it’s crucial that participants are well-educated and have the requisite skills. The market is changing rapidly, and relying on plain vanilla products alone won’t take us forward. We need to foster innovation, and strengthening this area will be a major focus this year,” he said.

He also reaffirmed ACI Ghana’s commitment to promoting ethical practices in the financial markets. He highlighted the association’s plans to collaborate with stakeholders such as the Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB), the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA), and the Bank of Ghana to uphold sound ethical standards.

“Promoting sound ethical practices remains central to our mission. This was a highlight of our conference last year, and we aim to expand our efforts in collaboration with key stakeholders this year,” he noted.

Discussing the state of the market, Mr. Boampong acknowledged the challenges following the DDEP but noted encouraging signs of recovery. According to him, the market is steadily recovering, with ACI Ghana contributing to restoring investor confidence.

“The market is gradually bouncing back. Together with other professional bodies, ACI Ghana played a role in sending a positive message to the investor public. The future is bright, and members are optimistic that the new government will drive Ghana toward our shared goals. As an association, we will continue to support the market’s recovery by offering sound trading and financial literacy platforms to stakeholders.”

Additionally, Mr. Boampong highlighted the positive impact of Ghana’s progress with the IMF and the policies of the new government, noting that the country is on a path to recovery. 

He pointed to signs of returning confidence, such as oversubscription in bond auctions, which reflect growing optimism and influence market decisions.