Graduates and participants of the Venture Capital Analyst Programme have been encouraged to play a leading role in helping businesses deploy capital efficiently to drive growth and create sustainable jobs.
The call was made by Mr Micheal Abbey, Chief Executive Officer of the Venture Capital Trust Fund, during a graduation and induction ceremony for new analysts held in Accra.
The event also marked the launch of the VCAP Alumni Network, aimed at strengthening collaboration among programme participants.
The Venture Capital Analyst Programme, supported by the World Bank through the Ministry of Finance under the Ghana Economic Transformation Project, is designed to build a pipeline of skilled investment professionals to support Ghana’s growing private capital ecosystem.
Mr Abbey stressed that while access to capital remains important, the real challenge lies in how effectively that capital is utilised.
He noted that the role of trained analysts is critical in guiding investment decisions and supporting businesses to achieve long term growth.
He explained that the success of enterprises often depends on the quality of insights and discipline that investment professionals bring to the table, adding that the programme was established to develop individuals with the skills and perspective required to support business expansion.
According to him, feedback from industry players indicates that many graduates of the programme are already making meaningful contributions within their respective organisations.
He said such progress reinforces the importance of sustaining the initiative.
Also speaking at the event, Mr Kisseih Antonio, President of the Ghana Securities Industry Association and Managing Director of Sentinel Asset Management Limited, described the programme as a deliberate effort to build investment talent and deepen Ghana’s financial ecosystem.
He noted that in many emerging markets, the constraint to private capital growth is not only the availability of funds but the lack of expertise to identify viable opportunities, structure investments, and support businesses effectively.
Mr Antonio said the programme addresses this gap by equipping participants with the discipline and responsibility required to manage capital prudently. He urged graduates and alumni to apply their skills with integrity and focus on ventures that deliver real economic value.
He further highlighted the growing pool of domestic capital from pension funds and institutional investors, stressing the need for competent professionals to ensure that these resources are channelled into productive sectors.
Addressing the new cohort, Mr Percival Ofori Ampomah advised participants to approach their training with dedication and seriousness. He encouraged them to learn from the achievements of previous graduates and uphold the standards of the programme.
He also called on them to serve as credible ambassadors of the initiative, contributing positively to Ghana’s investment landscape through professionalism and strong work ethic.
The ceremony underscored the increasing importance of human capital in strengthening the country’s venture capital ecosystem, with stakeholders agreeing that building the right expertise is key to unlocking sustainable business growth.
