Stanbic Bank Ghana Advocates for Collective Climate Action

Head of ESG and Sustainability at Stanbic Bank Ghana, Francis Ayisi, has called for collective and collaborative action from stakeholders across various sectors to combat climate change and advance sustainability. Speaking at the Climate Action Conference hosted by the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) at the University of Ghana, Legon, Mr. Ayisi emphasized the need for a unified approach to address the pressing issue of climate change.

During his presentation on “Banking on innovation: financing mechanisms to drive climate action and resilience,” Ayisi highlighted that while some progress has been made by individual institutions, a more coordinated and collective effort is essential for a comprehensive and impactful response. “Within the banking sector, the Bank of Ghana has been very deliberate in ensuring compliance with sustainability. In 2019, the central bank introduced the Sustainable Banking Principles, which all banks must adhere to. This year, the Bank of Ghana also made it a requirement for all board members of banks to undergo training in ESG. Banks have also developed a greater emphasis on sustainability, ensuring that their lending and financing include climate mitigating requirements,” said Ayisi.

He further stated, “For a more impactful action, however, we have to be intentional about our response. Incorporating climate education into our school syllabi and curricula is critical to creating a cultural shift toward sustainable practices. Additionally, we must collectively prioritize investments in climate initiatives and develop robust strategies that attract and sustain funding. Equally important is the need for deliberate efforts in capacity building and professional training, equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge to effectively address climate challenges.”

Climate change poses a significant threat to social, economic, and environmental well-being worldwide, with Africa, particularly Ghana, being disproportionately affected. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events endanger livelihoods, public health, and socioeconomic stability. Limited resources for adaptation and mitigation further compound these challenges, highlighting the urgent need for effective and practical solutions. In this context, the academic and research community plays a critical role in producing valuable insights and pioneering innovations that can inform policies to address climate risks more effectively.

Recognizing the importance of this contribution, ACEP, with support from Oxfam in Ghana, convened the conference to focus on exploring climate action strategies and gender-responsive green solutions for Ghana. The conference brought together academics, researchers, policy experts, and practitioners to discuss innovative, gender-responsive green solutions that strengthen climate resilience in Ghana. It facilitated the exchange of research findings and best practices that are theoretically grounded yet practically applicable within Ghanaian communities. The conference also promoted interdisciplinary collaboration among participants to ensure diverse insights that support equitable climate action and sustainable development.