When a listed company pays a dividend, four dates matter:
1. Declaration date. The board announces the dividend. 2. Ex-dividend date. If you buy the share *on or after* this date, you will not receive this dividend. 3. Record date. The company checks its register and identifies shareholders entitled to the dividend. 4. Payment date. Cash lands in eligible shareholder accounts.
Practical rule of thumb for Ghana. T+3 settlement means the ex-date is typically 2 business days before the record date. To receive a dividend, you must *own* the share before the ex-date, not just agree to buy it.
Nkosuo sends dividend alerts to Pro users so you never miss an ex-date or a payment.