How to Invest in a Unit Trust in Ghana

Unit trusts are one of the most accessible ways for ordinary Ghanaians to grow their money. You do not need millions of cedis or a deep understanding of the stock market. In fact, you can start with as little as GH¢20 and a Ghana Card. Here is a simple ASJ guide to getting started.

What You Need to Get Started

Before you invest, you need to choose a fund that matches your financial goals. Unit trusts in Ghana fall into different categories: money market funds for short-term needs, fixed income funds for regular income, balanced funds for medium-term growth, and equity funds for long-term wealth building .

Here is what you will typically need to open an account:

Step-by-Step Process to Invest

Step 1: Choose a Licensed Fund Manager

Ensure the fund manager is licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Ghana. The SEC regulates all unit trusts and mutual funds, setting standards for how they are managed, reported, and audited .

Some well-known licensed fund managers in Ghana include:

• Stanbic Investment Management Services (SIMS) – Manages Stanbic Cash Trust and Stanbic Income Fund Trust

• Fidelity Securities Limited – Manages Fidelity Money Market Trust, Fidelity Fixed Income Trust, and Fidelity Balanced Trust

• NIMED Capital – Offers the Nimed Fixed Income Fund and Nimed Lifetime Unit Trust

• Prudential Securities – Manages PSL Fixed Income Unit Trust

Step 2: Select the Right Fund for Your Goals

Match the fund type to what you are saving for :

• Money Market Funds – For short-term goals like school fees or rent. Low risk, easy access to your money

• Fixed Income Funds – For regular income and medium-term goals. Invests in bonds and treasury securities

• Balanced Funds – For medium-term growth with moderate risk. Mix of stocks and fixed income

• Equity Funds – For long-term wealth building. Higher risk, higher potential returns

Step 3: Complete the Application

You can open an account through several channels:

In Person: Visit any branch of the fund manager or their partner banks. Fill out the application form and submit your documents .

Online: Some fund managers allow you to open an account through their online portal. You will need to upload your identification documents and complete the registration process .

Step 4: Make Your Initial Investment

The minimum initial investment varies by provider:

Step 5: Set Up Regular Contributions (Optional but Recommended)

Many investors set up automatic monthly contributions to build the habit of investing. You can top up your investment at any time, with minimum top-up amounts ranging from GH¢5 to GH¢10 depending on the provider .

How to Make Payments

Fund managers offer multiple convenient payment channels:

Mobile Money: Most providers accept mobile money payments. For example, NIMED Capital and Stanbic allow investments via USSD codes and mobile money wallets.

Bank Transfer: You can make deposits at partner bank branches, including Stanbic Bank, Zenith Bank, and Universal Merchant Bank .

Online Portal: Use the fund manager’s online portal with a debit/credit card or mobile money wallet .

Standing Orders: You can establish a standing order with your bank for monthly investments .

How to Monitor Your Investment

Once you invest, you will receive periodic statements showing your deposits, purchase price, number of units, and current price . Statements are typically sent quarterly, but you can access them anytime through the fund manager’s online portal .

The unit price of the fund is published every business day and is available on the fund manager’s website .

How to Withdraw Your Money

Unit trusts are open-ended, meaning you can redeem your funds whenever you need them. Withdrawal requests are processed within a specific timeframe:

• Stanbic Cash Trust: Within 24 hours via digital platforms

• PSL Fixed Income Unit Trust: Within 5 working days

• Fidelity Funds: Quick and easy access when needed

Some funds may charge exit fees if you withdraw within a certain period. For example, the My Wealth Unit Trust charges 3% for withdrawals within one year, 2% within two years, and 1% within three years .

Important Things to Know

Returns Are Not Guaranteed

Unit trusts do not guarantee returns. Your investment is subject to market risk, and the value can go up or down. The SEC has directed fund managers not to offer guaranteed returns .

Tax Benefits

Returns made on collective investment schemes are exempted from tax in Ghana. This makes unit trusts a tax-efficient way to grow your money .

Start Small, Start Now

You do not need to wait until you have a large sum of money. As the NIMED Capital CEO put it: “You don’t need millions to invest, GH¢20 is enough to get started” . The key is to start, stay consistent, and let your money work for you over time.

Quick Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I invest in a unit trust in Ghana?
Choose a licensed fund manager, select a fund that matches your goals, complete the application with your Ghana Card and proof of address, and make your initial investment. You can start with as little as GH¢20 .

2. What is the minimum amount to invest in a unit trust in Ghana?
Minimums vary by provider. NIMED Capital and Stanbic allow you to start with GH¢20, while Prudential Securities requires GH¢50, and Fidelity requires GH¢100 .

3. What documents do I need to open a unit trust account?
You typically need your Ghana Card, proof of physical address (Ghana Post GPS code or utility bill), and a passport-sized photograph .

4. Can I invest in a unit trust with mobile money?
Yes. Many fund managers accept mobile money payments. Stanbic allows investments via USSD code *715*55#, and NIMED Capital offers mobile money and USSD options.

5. How do I withdraw my money from a unit trust?
You can withdraw through the fund manager’s online portal, USSD code, or by completing a withdrawal form at a branch. Withdrawal times range from 24 hours to 5 working days depending on the provider.

6. Are unit trust returns guaranteed in Ghana?
No. Returns are based on market performance and are not guaranteed. The SEC has directed fund managers not to offer guaranteed returns .

7. Do I pay tax on unit trust returns in Ghana?
No. Returns made on collective investment schemes are exempted from tax.

8. Can I start investing in a unit trust with a small amount?
Yes. You can start with as little as GH¢20 with some providers. The key is to start and stay consistent .

9. How do I know if a fund manager is legitimate?
Check that the fund manager is licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Ghana. The SEC regulates all unit trusts and mutual funds .

10. Can Ghanaians in the diaspora invest in unit trusts?
Yes. NIMED Capital, for example, allows Ghanaians in the diaspora to invest if they have a Ghana Card. You can use the mobile app, USSD codes, or mobile money

Source: Accra Street Journal 

Last Updated on September 16, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

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