CHAPTER 4
37. A council governs the Exchange with representation from licensed dealing
members, listed companies, banks, insurance companies, the money market, and the
general public. The managing director is an ex-officio member. The functions of the
Council include preventing fraud and malpractice, maintaining good order among
members, regulating stock market business and granting listings.
38. The GSE currently has fourteen stock broking firms licensed to deal on the Exchange
and hosts thirty listings. In December 2004, total market capitalisation stood at 97
8
437.33 billion cedis or US$ 10.79 billion. Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited, now
jointly owned by the government and Anglo Gold of South Africa, is the largest
company on the GSE, with a market capitalisation of 2 099.75 billion cedis, which is
about 57.45% of total market capitalisation. In future, the GSE would like to attract
more SMEs who wish to access long-term financing for growth. Currently, concerns
over loss of control, costs of listing, transparency and accountability keep some of these
firms from listing.
ii. Findings of the CRM
39. The Mission noted various constraints on doing business in Ghana and the provision
of an effective regulatory environment for economic activities. Overall, stakeholders
have complained of bureaucracy and inefficiency of institutions that interface with the
private sector; prevalence of corruption; delays in, and escalating costs of litigation;
poor trade-related infrastructure; unreliable provision and the relatively high cost of
utilities.
Legal and regulatory framework
40. Stakeholders confirmed the need to review legislation (e.g. the Companies Code
Act) for its adequacy and relevance to current developments. They also emphasised the
need to enact the outstanding legislation relevant to corporate governance, such as the
Anti-Money Laundering and Whistle Blower's Bills. The CRM confirmed that relevant
laws (Companies Act, GSE, SEC, and banking laws) are being reviewed under the
Financial Sector Strategic Plan. A part of the review is undertaken through the Business
Law Division at the Ministry of Justice, which is charged with reviewing the business
law charged with reviewing the business law framework with a view to making
amendments.
Business registration
96