In today’s world, sustainability has become a key focus for banks. This is driven by the growing recognition that financial institutions play a critical role in addressing global environmental and social challenges. Banks are increasingly prioritising sustainable practices, not only to meet regulatory demands and stakeholder expectations but also to manage risks and seize opportunities associated with the transition to a greener economy.
By integrating sustainability into banking operations, investment decisions, and lending practices, banks are positioning themselves as responsible corporate citizens, contributing to a more sustainable future while enhancing long-term value for their customers and shareholders.
In alignment with the Bank of Ghana’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) guidelines, which require banks to integrate ESG considerations into their operations, financial institutions like Access Bank is leading the way in incorporating ethical, social, and environmental dimensions in doing business.
Leading by Example
For many businesses, sustainability has only recently emerged as a priority. This shift is partly due to the fact that corporate responsibility has not always been a significant concern for customers, employees, or management.
However, at Access Bank, the process of building a sustainable future for Ghana and other regions commenced in 2008 when the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility division was established. Since then, we have persisted in creating key initiatives that have effectively addressed the main social, environmental, and economic issues facing the communities and countries where we operate.
At Access Bank, our sustainability journey has led us to reform our business operations and continuously develop new strategies that aim to create a brighter future for our customers and the world. It has not been an easy journey; however, our dedication remains unwavering because it is the only way to achieve long-term prosperity.
Access Bank (Ghana) Plc has implemented various initiatives focused on financial inclusion, digital transformation, and environmental sustainability among others. Our strategy at Access Bank is built on three pillars: Sustainable Operations which aims to minimize environmental impact and optimizing resources to support economic, social environmental goals, Corporate Social Investment (CSI) to support community-focused initiatives in education, health and economic empowerment, and Sustainable Development Finance which focuses on funding projects that promotes long term economic growth.
One of the keyways in which financial institutions can contribute to sustainable development is through sustainable lending practices. By providing financing for projects and initiatives that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), banks can help to drive progress towards a more sustainable future.
With Access Bank’s strategy to finance the future, we provide innovative and sustainable financing solutions supporting businesses and individuals. We offer sustainable lending investments, partner development finance institutions (DFIs) and donor agencies, to raise funding for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
We operate in one of the most challenging markets in the world, with multiple developmental issues. Considering that challenges create opportunities; we are devoting our resources to achieving results and making an impact through the power of finance. As a result, we promote access to banking alongside social inclusion while contributing to the development of the communities where we are present and preserving the environment.
Another important way in which financial institutions can contribute to sustainable development is through their operations. As businesses expand, their resource consumption often grows as well. This can have a hugely damaging effect on the environment through an organization’s carbon emissions.
Environmental protection, therefore, should feature heavily in any company’s sustainability program. Access Bank’s Go Green strategy aims to create sustainable projects in clean technology, waste-to-wealth, greening Africa, emissions reduction, and client go-green support, contributing to the achievement of SDGs.
Access Bank Ghana has also collaborated with several organizations to support these sustainable initiatives. We have implemented various sustainability initiatives, including recycling programs like “Waste is Useful” and energy-efficient solutions such as solar-powered ATMs, reflecting our dedication to minimizing our carbon footprint.
These exemplify SDG 12, promoting responsible consumption, while our “Waste to Wealth” initiatives align with SDG 4 by fostering quality education and ensuring that no child is left behind and SDG 8, creating jobs and empowering local shoemakers in the Ashanti Region.
Collectively, these initiatives have helped reduce the bank’s carbon emissions by over 18,359t. Our CSI initiatives in 2024 have impacted over 358,632 individuals through education, entrepreneurship, health, and environmental efforts, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability.
Banks must recognize that their growth and success are inextricably linked to the health of the planet. That’s why at Access Bank we are committed to embedding sustainability into every aspect of our operations, from reducing our carbon footprint to supporting green initiatives that benefit our operational communities.
Our goal is to create a future where financial prosperity and environmental stewardship go hand-in-hand, and we are proud to be leading the way in Ghana’s banking sector.
Employee satisfaction is a priority at Access Bank, which is why we emphasize employee safety and well-being through wellness programs and work-life balance initiatives. Under SDG 10, the bank employs persons living with disabilities while ensuring equal opportunities for all employees.
Accessibility is also a key focus; the bank has wheelchair-accessible buildings, inclusive banking services, and disability-friendly communication channels in place. Through these initiatives, we aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment that not only prioritizes employee satisfaction but also aligns with our broader goals of sustainability and social responsibility.
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Article by: Managing Director of Access Bank (Ghana) Plc, Olumide Olatunji