Francis Ayisi, Head of ESG and Sustainability at Stanbic Bank Ghana has emphasized the need for collective and collaborative action from stakeholders across various sectors to combat climate change and advance sustainability. He made these remarks during 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.
Speaking on the topic, “Banking on innovation: financing mechanisms to drive climate action and resilience,” Mr. Ayisi mentioned that, even though some progress has been made by individual institutions in the fight against climate change, a more coordinated and collective effort is essential for a comprehensive and impactful response. He said, “Within the banking sector, the Bank of Ghana has been very deliberate in ensuring compliance with sustainability. In 2019 for example, 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 ineptest in sustainability in ensuring that their lending and financing has climate mitigating requirements.”
“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,” Mr. Ayisi added.
Climate change poses an existential threat to people’s social, economic, and environmental well-being worldwide, with Africa, particularly Ghana, being disproportionately affected. This vulnerability is evident in rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events, all of which endanger livelihoods, public health, and socioeconomic stability. Limited resources for adaptation and mitigation further compound the challenge, highlighting the urgent need for effective, practical solutions. In this context, the academic and research community plays a critical role by producing valuable insights and pioneering innovations that can inform policies to address climate risks more effectively.
Recognising 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 and 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.
