When you invest in a unit trust, your money is not locked away forever. Unit trusts are open-ended investments, meaning you can withdraw your funds whenever you need them. However, how you withdraw—and how long it takes—depends on your fund manager and the fund type. Here is what you need to know.
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The Key Principle: Open-Ended Access
Unlike a fixed deposit that locks your money for a set period, unit trusts allow you to redeem your units at any time at the prevailing Net Asset Value (NAV). This is one of the major advantages of unit trusts over other investments.
The price you receive when you withdraw is the NAV per unit on the day your redemption is processed. If the fund’s value has gone up since you invested, you get more than you put in. If it has gone down, you get less.
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How to Withdraw: The Channels
Most fund managers in Ghana offer multiple ways to submit a withdrawal request.
1. Online Portal
Many fund managers have an online investment portal where you can log in and redeem your units. Stanbic Investment Management Services (SIMS), for example, allows withdrawals via its online portal at invest.sims.com.gh.
2. USSD Code
Some fund managers offer USSD codes for withdrawals. Stanbic allows you to dial *715*77# to withdraw all or part of your investment. Tesah Capital also offers a USSD option on *447*707#.
3. Mobile App
Fund managers like Tesah Capital have mobile apps where you can manage your investment, including withdrawals.
4. Bank Branch
You can visit any branch of the fund manager’s partner bank to complete a withdrawal form. For Fidelity Securities, you can visit any Fidelity Bank branch nationwide. For Stanbic, you can visit any Stanbic Bank branch.
5. Email or Physical Form
Some managers accept scanned withdrawal forms via email. Fidelity allows you to download the withdrawal form from their website, complete it, scan it, and send it to [email protected]. Stanbic accepts written redemption requests via email for unitholders with email indemnity. You can also complete a form and submit it at the manager’s office.
How Long Does Withdrawal Take?
The processing time varies by fund manager. Here is a comparison:
| Fund Manager | Withdrawal Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Stanbic (via online portal) | 24 hours |
| Stanbic (via form or email) | 3 business days |
| Fidelity Securities | 2 to 4 days |
| Prudential Securities (PSL) | 5 working days |
| GCB Capital (Golden Eagle) | 3 working days |
| Tesah Capital | 48 hours |
For most fund managers, requests received after a certain cut-off time (often 12:00 pm or 15:00 GMT) are processed on the next valuation day.
Are There Penalties for Withdrawing?
This depends on the fund. Many money market funds have no redemption charges at all.
Funds with No Withdrawal Penalties:
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Fidelity Money Market Trust: No redemption charges
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Tesah Treasury Trust: No redemption charges
Funds with Exit Charges (for early withdrawal):
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My Wealth Unit Trust: 3% for withdrawals within 1 year, 2% within 2 years, and 1% within 3 years. No exit charges after 3 years
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Stanbic Income Fund Trust: 2% within Year 1, 1% within Year 2, and 0% in Year 3
The idea behind exit charges is to encourage long-term investing. If you stay invested for the recommended period, you pay nothing.
A Note on Liquidity During Market Stress
It is important to understand that unit trusts are not bank deposits. During periods of severe market stress, fund managers may temporarily suspend redemptions. This happened during Ghana’s 2022 debt crisis, when fixed-income funds faced unprecedented withdrawal requests and some had to limit redemptions.
The SEC has issued directives on mark-to-market valuation to ensure that investors enter and exit at fair prices that reflect current market values. This protects both those who stay and those who leave.
Step-by-Step: How to Withdraw
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Check your fund’s withdrawal policy – Look at the prospectus or scheme particulars for any exit charges or minimum holding periods.
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Choose your channel – Online portal, USSD, app, bank branch, or email.
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Submit your request – Provide your account details, the number of units or amount you want to redeem, and your signature.
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Wait for processing – Most withdrawals are processed within 24 hours to 5 working days.
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Receive your funds – Payment is made to your bank account or mobile money wallet, depending on the fund manager’s process.
Quick Facts
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Withdrawal Processing | 24 hours to 5 working days |
| Stanbic (online portal) | 24 hours |
| Fidelity | 2–4 days |
| Prudential (PSL) | 5 working days |
| GCB (Golden Eagle) | 3 working days |
| Tesah Capital | 48 hours |
| No Penalty Funds | Fidelity Money Market, Tesah Treasury |
| Penalty Funds | My Wealth (3% yr 1), Stanbic Income (2% yr 1) |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I withdraw money from a unit trust in Ghana?
You can withdraw through your fund manager’s online portal, USSD code, mobile app, bank branch, or by submitting a completed withdrawal form via email or in person.
2. How long does it take to withdraw from a unit trust in Ghana?
Processing times vary. Stanbic processes online withdrawals within 24 hours. Fidelity takes 2–4 days. Prudential Securities takes 5 working days. GCB Capital takes 3 working days.
3. Are there penalties for withdrawing from a unit trust?
It depends on the fund. Money market funds like Fidelity Money Market Trust and Tesah Treasury Trust have no redemption charges. Some balanced funds charge exit fees for early withdrawals—for example, My Wealth charges 3% within 1 year.
4. Can I withdraw part of my unit trust investment?
Yes. Most fund managers allow you to redeem all or part of your investment.
5. What price do I get when I withdraw?
You receive the Net Asset Value (NAV) per unit on the day your redemption is processed. If the fund’s value has increased, you get more than you invested.
6. Can I withdraw my money at any time?
Yes. Unit trusts are open-ended, meaning you can redeem your units whenever you need to. However, some funds have recommended minimum holding periods or exit charges for early withdrawal.
7. What happens if I submit a withdrawal request after the cut-off time?
Requests received after the cut-off time (often 12:00 pm or 15:00 GMT) are typically processed on the next valuation day.
8. Is my money guaranteed when I withdraw from a unit trust?
No. Unit trusts are investments, not bank deposits. The value of your units can go down as well as up. The SEC has directed fund managers not to offer guaranteed returns
Source: Accra Street JournalÂ
Last Updated on September 16, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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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.
