The newly appointed Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), James Klutse Avedzi, has strongly defended President John Mahama’s decision to appoint him to the role.

The Ketu North MP cited his extensive accounting background and parliamentary experience as the right fit for the job.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition on Thursday, March 27, Mr Avedzi insisted that his professional expertise makes him an asset to Ghana’s capital market.

“The President is very right,” Mr Avedzi stated, stressing that his vast knowledge in finance and governance justifies his selection.

“I’m an accountant by profession. I’ve also been in Parliament for 20 years, where I served on several committees, including the Finance Committee and the Public Accounts Committee. I was the chair of each committee for eight years, making it 16 years of direct financial oversight.”

According to Mr Avedzi, accountants possess a unique versatility that allows them to excel in different sectors, including capital markets.

“Accountants are versatile, and we can work and fit well in any environment that we find ourselves. That is why I believe the President was right in putting me here,” he highlighted.

Beyond his accounting expertise, Mr Avedzi pointed out that he played a crucial role in shaping the very institution he now leads.

“When the bill, or the act that governs this institution, was being passed in 2016, I was the chair of the Finance Committee,” he revealed.

“So, the President felt that I would be an asset to the capital market, purposely for the growth and development of this country.”

Mr Avedzi expressed gratitude for the appointment and described it as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s financial sector.

“When the President told me that he was sending me to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Ghana, I gladly accepted and thanked him for recognising me for this particular sector.”

He acknowledged that the SEC is not well understood by the general public, noting that many people confuse securities with law enforcement agencies.

“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 entirely,” he remarked.

“But it’s a different area altogether, which we will definitely delve into.”

James Klutse Avedzi reiterated his commitment to working towards the development of Ghana’s capital market and assured the public that his leadership would bring positive change.

“The capital market is crucial for economic growth, and I am ready to ensure that we maximize its potential for the benefit of the country.”