Ghana: Fidelity Bank concludes sustainability drive with major conference

Fidelity Bank Ghana, the country’s largest privately-owned bank, has restated its strong dedication to promoting sustainability, environmental care, and social responsibility.

Fidelity Bank Ghana recently demonstrated its commitment by organizing a pioneering sustainability conference at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra.The conference, themed ‘Sustaining our world, collaborating for a greener future,’ served as the culmination of a month-long sustainability initiative.

Over the course of the month, Fidelity Bank Ghana actively involved its employees, customers, and various stakeholders in a range of activities designed to promote awareness and cultivate a culture of sustainability among the Ghanaian public. This outreach extended to key figures in government, the corporate sector, and the business community.

The first-ever Fidelity Sustainability Conference convened an inclusive gathering of experts, advocates, and thought leaders for meaningful discussions spanning a broad spectrum of sustainability-related subjects.

The event saw substantial participation from government officials, civil society representatives, academia, media, and the general public, highlighting its extensive influence. The conference’s format encompassed presentations, panel discussions, and breakout sessions, enabling in-depth exploration of various topics, sharing of ideas and experiences, and collaborative brainstorming for potential solutions.

During his opening remarks, Deputy Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Ghana, Atta Yeboah Gyan, underscored the worldwide significance of incorporating sustainability-oriented behaviors and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices into everyday operations, particularly within the corporate and business sectors.

He urged all those in attendance to come together in their pursuit of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing that, “While the challenges ahead are substantial, our collective ability for innovation, collaboration, and positive change is equally significant. Together, we have the potential and determination to chart a course that harmonizes economic progress with environmental responsibility, fosters peace among individuals, and preserving our shared abode, the Earth”.

At the core of the conference was a keynote speech delivered by Dr. Charles Abani, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana. His address, titled ‘Sustainability as a Catalyst for Transforming the Ghanaian Economy,’ was both captivating and thought-provoking.

Dr. Abani delineated six primary areas of focus, encompassing decent employment, educational reform, food systems, climate change, energy transition, and digital transformation. He emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in spearheading innovation and funding solutions within these domains.

Dr. Abani emphasized the imperative need for a strong partnership with the private sector to expedite progress and development aligned with the SDGs. He underscored the ongoing collaborations between UN agencies and the private sector to mobilize capital and promote innovation.

The sustainability conference marked the pinnacle of Fidelity Bank’s Sustainability Month, a month-long endeavor dedicated to nurturing a culture of sustainability. This initiative encompassed various activities, including informative webinars conducted in partnership with sustainability organizations and experts, as well as notable Employee Volunteer Programs led by the bank’s staff. These programs involved activities such as beach clean-ups, blood donation drives, and initiatives aimed at empowering youth.

Nana Yaa Afriyie Ofori-Koree, Head-Partnerships, Sustainability and CSR, Fidelity Bank, explained the rationale behind dedicating September as Fidelity’s Sustainability Month, stating: “At Fidelity we are not just talking about change, we are actively driving it. Sustainability is not just a word but a commitment that runs deep within the heart of Fidelity Bank.

“We understand that our actions today shape the world of tomorrow, and this understanding fuels our unwavering dedication to this agenda. That is why we deem it necessary to dedicate a whole month within the year to actively propelling the Sustainability agenda in partnership with key stakeholders. Together, we can join forces to make a lasting impact on our environment and our communities.”

Fidelity Bank Ghana not only upholds its position as an innovative force and advocate for inclusivity in the banking sector but has also become a prominent leader in the drive for a more sustainable future. The bank remains committed to collaborating with similar-minded organizations to advance sustainability, environmental stewardship, and economic progress.