|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM) has officially joined the United Nations Global Compact, committing to align its operations with internationally recognised principles on human rights, labour, environmental sustainability and anti-corruption.
The move forms part of the Bank’s efforts to strengthen responsible and sustainable financing while deepening the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into its operations.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of GEXIM, Sylvester Mensah, described the milestone as a reaffirmation of the Bank’s commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
“Today marks a significant milestone for Ghana Export-Import Bank. We are honoured to officially join the United Nations Global Compact, aligning our operations with its Ten Principles across human rights, labour, environment, anti-corruption, among others. By embracing these principles, we reaffirm our commitment to conducting business in a responsible, ethical and sustainable manner,” he said.
Mr. Mensah noted that the Bank had already laid the foundation for its sustainability agenda with the introduction of its ESG and Sustainability Policy in January 2025.
He explained that the policy led to the creation of the Sustainability and Strategic Impact Department (SSID), which is responsible for strengthening sustainable finance practices, improving impact measurement and embedding responsible financing principles across the institution.
According to him, the objective is to ensure that sustainability becomes an integral part of GEXIM’s core business model rather than a standalone initiative.
Mr. Mensah said membership of the UN Global Compact represents the next phase of the Bank’s sustainability journey by connecting it to a global network of organisations committed to responsible business practices while enhancing transparency and accountability.
He added that the partnership will also support the Bank’s efforts to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 17, which promotes partnerships for sustainable development.
“The partnership offers us a valuable platform to learn, collaborate and share our experiences as we strive to make a positive difference,” he stated.
The CEO further disclosed that GEXIM has already begun measuring and reporting the social impact of its financing activities in Ghana and pledged to strengthen transparency by regularly communicating its progress under the UN Global Compact framework.
“We have already begun taking concrete steps to measure and report on the impact of our operations and financing activities on Ghanaian society. As part of our commitment under the UN Global Compact, we will go even further by transparently communicating our progress, ensuring that we remain accountable to both our stakeholders and the communities we serve,” he said.
Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Ghana, Tolu Kweku Lacroix, welcomed GEXIM’s decision to join the initiative and commended the Bank for committing to embed the Global Compact’s Ten Principles into its operations.
He described the move as an important step towards promoting responsible business practices and advancing sustainable development in Ghana.
“We very much resonate with the words you have expressed today to commit to our 10 principles in the area of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption to ensure that these principles are embedded in your practices as a company, as a bank and for your stakeholders as well. We are here to assist your journey all the way,” Mr. Lacroix said.
Source: citinews
