Speakers at the MTN Bright Conversations have cautioned businesses to adopt Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices in their operations to boost productivity and innovation.
However, they warned against exaggerating environmental initiatives.
The speakers noted that companies that have embarked on sustainability drives have an advantage over their counterparts.
Dr. Felix Addo-Yobo, Deputy Director and Advisor at the SDGs Advisory Unit in the Office of the President, spoke on the importance of innovation within ESG practices.
“For ESG to be successful, you must be innovative, and by so doing, you become more profitable,” he remarked, highlighting that companies with a strong focus on sustainability are more likely to secure financial backing in the modern economic landscape.
Dr. Addo-Yobo also stressed the critical need to safeguard humanity by preserving the planet.
“If we continue with the bad practices, the planet suffers, and if the planet suffers, humanity suffers,” he warned, encouraging companies to consider long-term environmental impacts.
Mina Pokuaa Agyemang, Participant Engagement and Outreach Manager at the United Nations Global Compact Ghana, echoed these sentiments, observing that many companies are now examining their business operations in finer detail to adopt sustainable practices across all areas. “It’s not just about creating employment,” she noted.
“It’s about creating sustainable employment that does not abuse the employee, where they receive fair wages and benefit from flexible working hours, and where new fathers, for instance, can enjoy paternity leave.”
Genuine ESG Reporting
Another notable contribution came from Bernard Owusu Ansah, Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager at KPMG.
He cautioned businesses against viewing ESG solely as a public relations tool, a mentality he believes could lead to disingenuous or failed sustainability initiatives.
Instead, he urged businesses to consider ESG from a competitive advantage standpoint, which would encourage truthful, impactful reporting.
Mr Ansah also addressed the issue of “greenwashing,” where companies exaggerate or misrepresent their environmental initiatives.
“Data integrity is the biggest challenge,” he stated, adding that this often involves “blatant lies, under and over-stating numbers, or simply remaining silent on issues that should be disclosed.”
He advised companies to view ESG reporting as an opportunity to highlight progress transparently, not just to meet compliance requirements.
Echoing this point, Ms. Agyemang emphasized the importance of progress reports, saying, “Report these things as progress reports to mitigate the temptation to lie.”
This, she noted, would foster honesty in ESG reporting, building trust with stakeholders and aligning companies with global sustainability standards.
A collective step towards a sustainable future
MTN Ghana’s Sustainability Week exemplifies the company’s dedication to advancing Ghana’s sustainable development and creating a long-lasting impact through environmentally responsible technology.
By introducing electric vehicles and a solar-powered motorbike, MTN is setting a precedent for Ghanaian businesses to take proactive steps towards a sustainable future.
This initiative is a call to action, showing that a commitment to sustainability can drive business success, boost economic resilience, and contribute to a healthier planet.
As MTN Ghana looks toward Ambition 2025 and beyond, the company remains focused on its ESG goals, inspiring both its workforce and Ghanaian businesses to join in the journey toward a brighter, greener future.
By Selorm GBORBIDZI, Accra
