THE Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) commenced 2026 on a strong footing, posting impressive gains across key indices and recording a significant surge in trading activity in January.

The GSE Composite Index (GSE-CI) advanced by 2.69 per cent, while the Financial Stocks Index (GSE-FSI) outperformed with a notable 6.14 per cent year-to-date return, reflecting renewed investor confidence in the equities market.

A statement issued by the GSE in Accra yesterday on the January market performance of the Accra bourse, said market activity strengthened considerably during the month under review. It said the number of transactions rose sharply to 38,477, representing a remarkable 406.74 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

The heightened activity, GSE said underscored improved, market participation and liquidity at the start of the year.

It said trading volume on the equities market reached 167.32 million shares, with a total value of GHS 705.36 million.

“These figures represent a staggering 938.51 per cent increase in volume and a 549.48 per cent rise in value traded year-on-year, signaling robust investor appetite and stronger market momentum,” the statement.

The GSE said market capitalisation also saw an appreciable increase, reinforcing the positive sentiment that characterised trading on the local bourse during the month.

In terms of individual stock performance, CalBank PLC emerged as the top gainer with a 15.71 per cent appreciation in share price.

It was followed by Ghana Commercial Bank, which recorded a 1.36 per cent gain, while Enterprise Ghana PLC rose by 0.28 per cent.

The statement said Ecobank Ghana PLC, Benso Oil Palm Plantation PLC and Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC also posted marginal gains of 0.14 per cent, 0.06 per cent and 0.03 per cent respectively.

On the other hand, the performance of TotalEnergies Marketing Ghana PLC dipped by 0.12 per cent, Societe Generale Ghana PLC declined by 4.46 per cent, and New Gold recorded the steepest loss of 5.67 per cent.

On the Fixed Income Market, substantial growth. It said the total traded volume increased to GH¢ 36.91 billion, marking a 118.45 per cent rise compared to the GH¢16.89 billion recorded in the corresponding period last year.

The GSE Treasury Bills accounted for 37.75 per cent of the total volume traded, while Government Bonds dominated with 60.91 per cent. It said Corporate Bonds contributed the remaining 1.34 per cent.

“The number of trades executed on the debt market stood at 56,982, representing a 13.83 per cent year-on-year increase,” it stated.

The strong start to the year signals sustained recovery and growing investor optimism, positioning the Accra bourse for a potentially buoyant performance in the months ahead.