Drive economic growth through sustainable practices — Businesses advised
THE wife of the Vice-President, Samira Bawumia, has called on businesses to integrate sustainability into their business practices amidst environmental challenges such as deforestation, pollution and climate change to help contribute to long-term economic growth.
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She explained that factors such as rapid urbanisation, industrialisation and population growth have strained natural resources, resulting in deforestation, pollution and climate change.
These environmental issues, she said, did not only jeopardise the health of the planet but also the foundation of economic growth.
"Amidst these challenges, there lies a glimmer of hope — the realisation that sustainability does not impede economic growth but rather acts as a catalyst for it. A sustainable economy can flourish without compromising the well-being of future generations.”
It is an economy that embraces innovation, efficiency and a circular approach to resource management,” she said.
SSI awards
Mrs Bawumia made the call in a speech read on her behalf last Friday at the 7th Sustainability and Social Investment (SSI) Awards in Accra.
The seventh iteration, aptly named the Legacy edition, was on the theme: “Sustainability and the Economy: Building a Sustainable Future for All.”
Mrs Bawumia, who served as the special guest of honour, highlighted the global shift towards evaluating companies not solely based on revenue and profit figures but also on their sustainable and social impact.
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Deeper collaboration
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Professor Richard K. Amankwah, challenged the traditional notion that sustainability and economic development are conflicting forces.
Instead, he showcased their symbiotic nature as essential components of a prosperous and equitable future.
He stressed the necessity for deeper collaboration between stakeholders, particularly industry and academia, to harmonise efforts toward increased economic growth with environmental preservation.
Award winners
Corporate entities and individuals leading the charge in championing sustainable and socially responsible practices within their communities were honoured at the 2023 Sustainability and Social Investment Awards (SSI).
The winners include FBN Bank Ghana, Charitable Giving and Philanthropy; Electrochem Ghana, Community Development and Infrastructure Project; ECOM Ghana, Climate Change Mitigation Projects; Anglogold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, Economic Empowerment; UBA, Educational Sustainability Project; Volta River Authority, Employee Volunteering Initiatives; ECOM Ghana, Environmental Sustainability Project; Advans Ghana Savings and Loans Financial Literacy and Inclusion Project; Anglogold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine Girl Child Education and Empowerment Programme; Electrochem Ghana Providing Sanitation Facilities; and Ecobank Ghana ESG Integration, Reporting and Disclosure among others.