‘Train more experts in venture capital’

April 1, 2008
Story: Joe Okyere, Elmina
more experts in venture capital should be trained to offset the short supply of expertise and to enhance such investments in the country, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Venture Capital Trust Fund, Nana Osei-Bonsu, has said.
According to him, training of such experts was vital for a better and successful venture capital investments.
He said the provision of financial resources to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) depended on the analysis by experts in the industry to determine the risks inherent in the potential investor.
Nana Osei-Bonsu was addressing the opening session of a three-day private equity/venture capital professional training course at the Elmina Beach Resort on Monday.
He said the development of the venture capital industry was a direct consequence of the technical capacity that could be created to drive the industry.
The CEO said that included building capacities of analysts, accountants, finance professionals and lawyers, to deepen their understanding of venture financing.
The various areas the course would address included aspects of private equity/venture capital investments, deal sourcing, investment appraisal and analysis, due diligence, monitoring, documentation, portfolio valuation and the legal aspect of private equity transactions.
Nana Osei-Bonsu, therefore, advised the participants to take advantage of the course to deepen their knowledge to enhance the performance of the sector.
The Chairman of the Venture Capital Trust Fund, Dr S. Nii Noi Ashong, who gave a summary review of the macro-economic conditions in the country, said despite challenges, the economy was far doing well.
He explained that the fund was set up to support SMEs as part of the Ghana poverty reduction strategy and growth.