DDEP: This is the best time to invest in stock market, says finance expert
The government has set up a technical committee through the Finance Ministry to address concerns raised by bondholders about the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP)
A financial expert and associate professor of economics at Andrews University in Michigan, Professor Williams Kwasi Peprah, has advised young people to take advantage of the economic situation in Ghana to invest in stocks, because they will reap the benefits in future.
The government has set up a technical committee through the Finance Ministry to address concerns raised by the Individual Bondholders’ Forum on the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).
Speaking to Kwaku Nhyira-Addo on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Thursday (19 January 2023), Peprah said: “Now, probably, is the best time to purchase a stock.
“Because the prices are low, if you are young – between the ages of 35 [and] 40 … it is the best time for you to enter into the stock market, because you have time to enjoy the gain and dividend.
“Still, with our human nature, there are some of us who want to focus on capital gain or appreciation. So, some of us will still be investing in the stock market,” Peprah added.
Listen to Professor Williams Peprah in the audio clip attached below:
Provide “safety net” for poor pensioners
Meanwhile, Professor Stephen Adei, an educationist and economist, has suggested that the government review the threshold for pensioners who may be affected by the DDEP.
Adei argues that this will ensure that those who are vulnerable and financially unstable are exempted from the programme.
On Monday the Ministry of Finance extended the deadline to register for its domestic debt exchange to 31 January 2023 in order to “secure internal approvals” from the financial sector.
Speaking to Beatrice Adu on The Big Bulletin on Asaase 99.5 Accra on Monday (16 January), Adei warned that the country risks losing lives in the coming weeks if the government fails to review the threshold for pensioners.
“The pensioners – my colleagues – it is because when we got our lump sum, our life investments, we invested it into government bonds. So that is what is now at stake …” he said.
“There must be a threshold, so that there is a certain minimum. Other than that, some of my colleagues will physically die in a [few] weeks … it is a very serious matter.”
Poor communication
The economist wants the government to step up efforts in educating Ghanaians on which categories of individuals are likely to be affected by the DDEP.
“So much is being said without people understanding it,” Professor Adei said.
“We are talking about young people like you who are yet to go for pension and have invested in the bonds for their future.
“Communication has been terribly bad,” he said.
Fred Dzakpata
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