Kasapreko PLC has been listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) following a highly successful Initial Public Offering (IPO) that raised GH¢1.72 billion, more than double its target of GH¢700 million.
The beverage manufacturing company attracted strong investor interest, leading to an oversubscription of about 146 per cent. Due to the excess demand, the company was required to refund a significant portion of funds received from investors.
At the listing ceremony in Accra yesterday, President John Dramani Mahama, in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, described the development as a major milestone for Ghana’s industrial and capital market growth.
He indicated that Kasapreko’s journey from a small start-up in Nungua in 1989 to an internationally recognised beverage manufacturer demonstrated the potential of indigenous enterprises to attract investment, create jobs and compete globally.
The President stated that the listing proved Ghanaian-owned businesses could attract substantial capital, earn investor confidence and compete on the international stage.
He further noted that Kasapreko’s IPO had become the most oversubscribed public offer by a locally owned manufacturing company in the history of the Ghana Stock Exchange, attracting thousands of Ghanaian investors.
President Mahama added that the company was entering the market from a position of strength rather than seeking capital to resolve financial difficulties.
He also highlighted government efforts to improve the business environment, strengthen local sourcing and enhance export competitiveness.
The founder and Group Chairman of Kasapreko PLC, Dr Kwabena Adjei, described the listing as the fulfilment of a vision that began 36 years ago in a single room.
He said the strong investor response reflected confidence in the company’s future, adding that investors had bought into both the business and its long-term vision.
Dr Adjei indicated that the funds raised would be used to expand production capacity, boost exports and create more employment opportunities for Ghanaians. He also encouraged young people to remain focused, dream big and embrace calculated risks.
The Managing Director of Kasapreko PLC, Mr Richard Adjei, described the listing as a historic transformation from a family-owned enterprise into a public company.
He explained that proceeds from the IPO would finance the construction of a new production facility at Adeiso and expand the company’s bottled water and carbonated soft drink capacity.
The Managing Director of the Ghana Stock Exchange, Ms Abena Amoah, welcomed Kasapreko to the market, describing the listing as a positive boost for Ghana’s capital market.
She encouraged more companies to use the stock exchange as a platform to raise long-term capital for growth.
The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr James Kludze Avedzi, also commended the company, noting that the strong investor response reflected confidence in both Kasapreko and Ghana’s capital market, and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting business growth.
BY KINGSLEY ASARE
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