The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is encouraging Ghanaian farmers to take advantage of the Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX) as a hedging tool to protect their investments and secure better returns.

Highlighting SEC’s efforts to promote investment protection and public awareness, Director-General of the Commission, James Klutse Avedzi, explained that the GCX provides farmers with a structured platform to trade their produce while accessing credit facilities using their commodities as collateral.

Speaking on the AM Show on JoyNews, Mr. Avedzi said the exchange offers farmers a reliable avenue to market their goods quickly, reduce post-harvest losses, and gain liquidity.

“If you are a farmer and you have commodities such as maize or rice, you can go to the commodity market and declare the quantity you have. You will then be issued a receipt, which can serve as a guarantee for loans or other credit facilities at the bank,” He said.

He noted that farmers are required to present proof of their produce, after which GCX officials conduct a valuation before issuing the necessary documentation.

The exchange also functions as a marketplace for buying and selling listed commodities, providing transparency and fair pricing.

According to Mr. Avedzi, once a farmer becomes a member of the Ghana Commodity Exchange, they gain access to a network of buyers and sellers creating new income opportunities while minimizing risks.

The SEC boss revealed that the Commission is intensifying its public education campaign through its flagship outreach programme, “Time With SEC,” to raise awareness about investment opportunities and safe financial practices.

“You realize that many people do not know about the operations of the Commodities Exchange Commission, so we at SEC have decided to embark on a drive to educate people on some of the services we offer,” He emphasized.

The “Time With SEC” initiative is part of the Commission’s broader effort to combat the growing menace of fraudulent investment schemes. Mr. Avedzi cautioned the public, especially the youth, against online platforms that promise unrealistic returns and operate without proper authorization.

He disclosed that the next edition of the outreach programme will take place in Koforidua on Thursday, November 7, following a successful event in the Volta Region.

“We also get to educate people on how the capital market works,” he added.

Mr. Avedzi, a former Member of Parliament for Ketu North, further urged Ghanaians to report any suspicious investment activities and verify the licensing status of investment firms with SEC before investing their money.