Under the MOU, the Exchange would be promoted to investee companies of FCPL, which would also use it as an exit vehicle for the companies they nurture as the private equity partner.

This was contained in a statement issued by the GSE and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra.

The GSE shall, on the other hand, promote FCPL to SMEs as a source of long-term capital and, for qualified SMEs seeking a listing on the Exchange, as an underwriting partner, thus enhancing the success of SME listing on the GSE.

The scope of the promotion shall cover all companies including listed, unlisted, SMEs and large seeking long-term capital to boost their growth.

Stephen Antwi-Asimeng, Senior Partner, Fidelity Capital Partners Limited, said: “FCPL is exceptionally pleased to partner the GSE in this venture as it seeks to promote the mutual interests of our two organisations.”

“We shall promote the GSE to our investee companies and whenever feasible, use the Exchange as an exit medium for our private equity investments in Ghana.

“We are particularly interested in providing limited underwriting to SMEs seeking long term capital by listing on the Exchange and look forward to working with the GSE to assist in the development of the capital markets in Ghana.”

Kofi Yamoah, Managing Director of the GSE noted that the Exchange intends to use the platform offered to encourage SMEs in Ghana to expand and grow through FCPL's venture funds and ultimately get listed on the stock market.

“We are delighted at the partnership with FCPL because we believe that is the route our SMEs ought to go to survive.”

Established 20 years ago, the GSE has played a significant role in the country's capital market development.

Just as other markets in Africa, the stock market has emerged as a major provider of investment capital inflow to companies in Ghana.

Fidelity Capital Partners Limited is a leading SME private equity fund management company in West Africa.

Established in 1997 and based in Accra, FCPL has million under management and an SME portfolio comprising 13 companies operating in a number of sectors of the economy.

The company is supported by reputable international development finance institutions and local institutional investors and was selected by Jacana Venture Partnership LLC (www.jacana.org) in 2010 as its preferred private equity partner in West Africa.

GNA