When I first wanted to invest in the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE), I thought the process would be confusing and only meant for rich people. But in reality, buying and selling shares in Ghana has become easier than ever in 2025, especially with digital brokers like IC Wealth.
What Is the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE), and How Does It Work?
In this beginner-friendly guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps I took to open an account, fund it, buy my first shares, and eventually sell them. If you’ve been wondering how to get started with stock investment in Ghana, this post will give you everything you need—in plain English.
Free YouTube video: (step-by-step guide)
Step 1: Choose a Licensed Broker (Why I Picked IC Wealth)
You cannot trade directly on the GSE; you need a licensed broker. After comparing options like Databank, CAL Brokers, and Stanbic, I chose IC Wealth because:
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They have a modern online platform and mobile app.
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Funding is flexible — I could use MTN Mobile Money, bank transfer, or debit card.
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The account creation process is straightforward and 100% online.
👉 Tip: Always check that your broker is a Licensed Dealing Member (LDM) of the GSE. That ensures your trades are legitimate.
Step 2: Open Your CSD Account
Once you register with IC Wealth, they’ll help you open a Central Securities Depository (CSD) account. This is where your shares will be stored electronically.
What I needed to provide:
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Ghana Card (ID)
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A passport photo
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Proof of address (like a utility bill)
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Active phone number & email
It took about two to three weeks for my CSD account to be approved, so don’t panic if it doesn’t happen instantly.
Step 3: Fund Your IC Wealth Wallet
Before buying shares, you need to load money into your IC Wealth account. I used MTN Mobile Money because it was fast and convenient. You can also use:
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Bank transfer
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Debit/Credit card
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USSD options
👉 Pro tip: Always start with a small deposit (e.g., GH₵50–100) to test that everything is working before funding big.
Step 4: Research a Company to Invest In
Don’t just buy because someone told you “MTN or CAL Bank is good.” Spend time to:
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Visit the GSE official website for listed companies.
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Read company reports or recent news.
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Think long-term: telecoms, banks, oil companies, and consumer goods tend to be popular on the GSE.
I personally started with MTN Ghana because it’s a company I use daily, and I understood their business model.
What Are Shares, and How Can You Get Them?
Step 5: Place Your Buy Order
On the IC Wealth app/website, search for the stock you want and place a buy order. You’ll see two main types:
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Market Order → Buys at the best available price immediately.
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Limit Order → Buys only at the price you set (gives you control).
I started with a market order just to experience the process.
Step 6: Wait for Settlement (T+3)
Once you buy, you’ll receive a contract note showing the number of shares, price, and fees.
Trades settle on T+3 business days (trade date + 3 days). After that, your shares are officially reflected in your CSD account.
Free YouTube video: (step-by-step guide)
Step 7: Selling Your Shares
When you’re ready to sell:
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Go to the IC Wealth app, choose the stock, and place a sell order.
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Wait for a contract note (usually the same day).
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After T+3 settlement, your money will reflect in your wallet.
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Withdraw to your bank account or MTN MoMo.
Fees & Charges (What I Paid)
When I bought GH₵1,000 worth of shares, here’s the breakdown:
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Regulatory levies (0.70%) → GH₵7
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Broker commission (mine was 0.50%) → GH₵5
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Total fees = GH₵12
So always expect fees between 0.8% and 2.5% depending on your broker.
FAQs
Q: How much do I need to start?
You can start small—even with GH₵50 or GH₵100, depending on the stock price.
Q: Can I buy shares directly from GSE?
No. You must use a licensed broker like IC Wealth, CAL Brokers, or Databank.
Q: How long before I see my shares?
After you buy, it usually takes 3 business days (T+3 settlement).
Q: How do I withdraw my money after selling?
You can withdraw to your linked bank account or MTN Mobile Money once the settlement clears.
Final Thoughts
Buying and selling shares in Ghana in 2025 is not as complicated as it looks. With brokers like IC Wealth, the process has gone digital — meaning you can start right from your phone.
The most important things are:
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Start small and learn.
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Always keep your contract notes.
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Invest in companies you understand.
If you follow these steps, you’ll be on your way to becoming a confident investor in the Ghana Stock Exchange.
Investing in the Ghana Stock Exchange doesn’t have to be complicated. With platforms like IC Wealth, beginners can now buy and sell shares in Ghana easily from their phone or laptop. If you follow the steps in this guide, you’ll be able to start your investment journey in 2025 with confidence.
👉Want to see the full process in action? Watch my YouTube video here: “How to Buy and Sell Shares in Ghana for Beginners in 2025”—where I show you the exact steps with live examples.
Start small, stay consistent, and you’ll grow your wealth over time.
