Finance Students and Associates, in Collaboration with UGSRC Office of the Treasurer, Organise Investment Seminar

Finance Students and Associates, in Collaboration with UGSRC Office of the Treasurer, Organise Investment Seminar

Finance Students and Associates at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), in collaboration with the UGSRC Office of the Treasurer, organised an investment seminar aimed at equipping students with entrepreneurial opportunities and practical knowledge to manage businesses and investments effectively. The event was held on 12th June 2026 at the R. S. Amegashie Auditorium under the theme, “Start Early, Grow Strong.” The seminar opened with remarks from Ms. Favor Berta, President of the UGBS Finance Students and Associates. She welcomed participants and spoke briefly about the importance of developing financial literacy and investment awareness among students as they prepare for future careers and entrepreneurial ventures.

The first presentation was delivered by Mr. Justice Worlanyo Agbenorto, Portfolio Analyst, Asset Management at Black Star Group, on the topic “Fundamentals of Building and Managing Investment Portfolios.” He introduced participants to the principles of portfolio construction and explained the importance of diversification in investment decisions, noting that when one asset performs poorly, another may perform better, helping to reduce unsystematic risks associated with individual companies or sectors. He further outlined common mistakes investors make, including the absence of a clear investment policy, chasing past performance, over-concentration of investments, emotional decision-making, ignoring costs and taxes, and neglecting portfolio rebalancing. Drawing practical lessons for young investors, he encouraged students to start investing early, understand their risk tolerance, learn about local markets, maintain low investment costs, and remain disciplined. He also supported participants to understand the importance of matching investment products to long-term financial goals.

Finance Students and Associates, in Collaboration with UGSRC Office of the Treasurer, Organise Investment Seminar

Some speakers at the seminar

Delivering the second presentation, Mr. Andrew Leo Kwao, Senior Portfolio Analyst at Glico Capital, spoke on “Investment Opportunities and Practical Investing in Ghana.” His presentation focused on applying investment knowledge in real-world contexts and introduced students to available investment options in Ghana, including treasury bills, mutual funds, stocks, real estate, fixed deposits, Eurobonds, and foreign investment opportunities. He advised students to verify the credibility of investment institutions through official regulatory bodies before committing funds and encouraged them to consult the websites of the Bank of Ghana and the Securities and Exchange Commission Ghana to ensure investment companies are licensed and regulated. According to him, advances in technology have made Ghana’s investment market more accessible, creating opportunities for students to begin investing early. To demonstrate this, he conducted a practical session showing participants how beginners can structure investment portfolios and select appropriate investment products.

The seminar also featured a presentation by Ms. Mary Henewaa Karikari, Founder of Finance Fanatic, on the topic “Beyond Savings: How Young Ghanaians Can Grow Wealth Early.” She discussed the impact of inflation on savings and investments and explained that sustainable wealth creation requires money to grow faster than inflation. She described investing as committing present financial resources into assets with the expectation of generating future returns and emphasised that wealth creation results from the combination of money, time, and growth. Addressing perceptions around investment risk, she noted that investment becomes less risky when individuals make informed decisions and invest through appropriate channels. She further discussed low-, medium-, and high-risk investment options and encouraged students to establish investment goals, assess their risk appetite, and take advantage of time as one of their greatest financial assets.

Finance Students and Associates, in Collaboration with UGSRC Office of the Treasurer, Organise Investment Seminar

During one of the panel discussions

As part of the seminar, participants engaged in a panel discussion featuring entrepreneurs: Mr. Kwabena Yeboah Adarkwa- Managing Director of Afrivivo, Mr. Shalley Caleb- Executive Director of 3iY Global, and Mr. Bright Tenkorang- Entrepreneur and Brand Strategist. The panellists shared insights into their entrepreneurial journeys, business strategies, and lessons learned while building their ventures. Discussions also explored funding opportunities for small businesses, common financial mistakes entrepreneurs make, and practical ways to overcome them. A second panel discussion brought together Mr. Andrew Leo Kwao, Ms. Mary Henewaa Karikari and Mr. Ernest Adu Owusu- Head of BD, Global Markets, Black Star Group. The conversation focused on wealth creation, practical steps for beginning an investment journey, balancing short-term and long-term investments, and making informed financial decisions. The session provided students with practical exposure to investment principles, entrepreneurial opportunities, and wealth-building strategies.

Executives of the UGBS Finance Students and Associates