President John Mahama has appointed Mensah Thompson, the Executive Director of the Alliance For Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA), as the new Acting Deputy Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The appointment marks a significant development in the Commission’s leadership, aimed at reinforcing regulatory oversight and enhancing investor protection within Ghana’s capital markets.
Thompson brings a wealth of experience from civil society and legal practice into the fold of financial regulation. His appointment is expected to provide a renewed sense of purpose at the SEC, especially at a time when Ghana’s financial markets are undergoing significant reforms to stabilize the sector and rebuild public confidence.
Mensah Thompson holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Professional Studies, Accra. His academic background is complemented by years of experience advocating for transparency, good governance, and accountability through his role at ASEPA. These credentials place him in a strong position to contribute meaningfully to the SEC’s core mandate of maintaining market integrity and ensuring the protection of investors’ interests.
Known for his vocal stance on issues of public interest, Thompson’s transition from civil society leadership to a top regulatory role is seen as a strategic move to infuse the SEC with a renewed focus on enforcement and governance. His appointment underscores the importance of bridging the gap between regulatory frameworks and public accountability.
Thompson’s appointment comes at a time when the SEC is implementing sweeping reforms aimed at tightening oversight of fund managers, market operators, and collective investment schemes. As Acting Deputy Director-General, he will work under the leadership of James Klutse Avedzi, the Acting Director-General of SEC, who took over from Rev. Daniel Ogbarmey Tetteh. Together, they are expected to lead the Commission through a new era of stability and regulatory diligence.
Mandate to Protect Investors and Promote Market Growth
The SEC plays a crucial role in regulating and developing Ghana’s capital markets. Its mandate includes licensing and supervising market operators, ensuring compliance with securities laws, and safeguarding the interests of both institutional and retail investors.
Mensah Thompson’s civil society background is anticipated to add value to these functions, particularly in areas of public education, stakeholder engagement, and policy enforcement. His experience in holding institutions accountable will likely inform strategies to boost investor education and enforce ethical standards among market participants.
Investor trust in Ghana’s financial markets has been tested in recent years due to various challenges, including the revocation of licenses of some fund management companies and the broader financial sector reform. The SEC, under its new leadership, has the critical responsibility of ensuring that such lapses do not recur.
Thompson is expected to play a vital role in shaping policies that prioritize transparency, risk management, and effective supervision. His emphasis on accountability and integrity aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen governance structures and attract more domestic and international investors to Ghana’s capital markets.
A New Chapter for the SEC
Mensah Thompson’s appointment symbolizes a shift toward inclusive leadership that values legal expertise, civil advocacy, and regulatory precision. As the Commission continues to evolve in response to economic and market realities, the inclusion of voices from diverse professional backgrounds may prove essential in crafting resilient, investor-friendly policies.
In this new chapter, the SEC stands to benefit from Thompson’s fresh perspective and unwavering commitment to public accountability. His presence in the Commission’s leadership team sends a strong signal that regulatory institutions in Ghana are embracing reform and renewal—priorities that are crucial for sustainable economic development and market confidence.
As he steps into this influential position, all eyes will be on the SEC’s next steps toward restoring integrity and stability in the Ghanaian capital market.
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