The newly appointed Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), James Klutse Avedzi, has defended his suitability for the role, citing his extensive experience in Parliament and finance-related committees as key assets to Ghana’s capital market.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition on Thursday, March 27, Mr. Avedzi expressed confidence in President John Mahama’s decision to appoint him, emphasising his professional background and legislative experience as the right fit for the job.
“The President is very right. I’m an accountant by profession. I’ve also been in Parliament for 20 years, where I served on a number of committees, including the Finance Committee and the Public Accounts Committee. I chaired these committees for eight years each, making it 16 years in total,” Mr. Avedzi said.
He highlighted the versatility of accountants and their ability to adapt to various fields, reinforcing why his expertise aligns with the demands of the SEC.
“Accountants are versatile. We can work and fit well in any environment we find ourselves in. And for the fact that when the bill—the act that governs this institution—was being passed in 2016, I was the chair of the Finance Committee.”
He further noted that his appointment was a strategic move to contribute to the growth and development of Ghana’s capital market.
“So the President was right in putting me here. He felt that I would be an asset to the capital market, purposely for the growth and development of this country.”
Reflecting on his new role, Mr. Avedzi expressed enthusiasm, viewing it as an extension of his service to Ghana’s financial sector.
“When the President told me that he’s sending me to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Ghana, I gladly accepted and thanked him for recognising me in this particular sector.”
He also acknowledged that the SEC is relatively obscure to the public, with many Ghanaians unfamiliar with its role in regulating the country’s financial markets.
“It is a sector that is not well known or in the public eye, so people don’t know much about it. When people hear the name ‘securities,’ some think it’s about the police, the military, or something else. But it’s a completely different area, which we will definitely delve into.”
James Klutse Avedzi assured the public of his commitment to strengthening Ghana’s capital market and fostering greater awareness about the role of the SEC.
He reiterated that his experience in parliamentary finance oversight and policy development places him in a unique position to drive growth and investor confidence in the sector.
“It was a good feeling when I received my appointment. Let me put it that way,” he added.
His remarks come at a critical time when Ghana’s financial sector is seeking stability and enhanced regulatory oversight. With his extensive background in finance and public service, Mr. Avedzi believes his leadership will contribute significantly to the development of the country’s capital market.
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