Accra: Fidelity Bank will open its annual Sustainability Conference on Thursday, August 27, to climax activities marking its 2025 Sustainability Month. The event aims to reaffirm the bank's commitment to fostering a climate-resilient economy by equipping stakeholders with financial tools and strategic insights for climate action. It will convene experts from varied sectors to explore how Ghana can advance its climate finance agenda through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships.
According to Ghana News Agency, ahead of the conference, Fidelity Bank organised three webinars for customers, staff, and partners under the theme: 'Aligning Finance with Climate Action.' The sessions provided a platform for experts to examine how financial strategies could integrate climate considerations effectively. Speaking on the topic 'Just Energy Transition: Who wins and who loses,' Ms Efua Nyamekye Appiah, an energy expert, discussed the complexity of moving from fossil fuels to clean energy in a manner that was 'fair and inclusive.' The transition, she said, would generate employment, enhance public health by reducing pollution, and increase access to affordable energy, especially for underserved communities. That notwithstanding, Ms Appiah acknowledged challenges such as job losses in traditional energy sectors and the risk of higher energy costs for vulnerable populations. She emphasised that achieving a just transition will require coordinated efforts, thoughtful policies, and a strong commitment to equity and sustainability.
Mr Gerhard Muda, Chief Executive Officer of Climate Risk Services, led a discussion on 'Climate Proofing Portfolios,' stating that climate change was 'no longer a distant threat but a present-day reality with tangible impacts on businesses and daily life.' He noted Ghana's susceptibility to climate risks such as drought and extreme rainfall, which threaten key sectors like agriculture. Mr Muda stressed the need to embed climate resilience into financial planning to protect investments and ensure long-term economic stability. 'Emerging markets like Ghana face a climate finance gap of $350-400 billion annually. Banks have a unique role to play in mobilizing this capital, building resilience for businesses, and generating new streams of green revenue,' he added.
Mr John Tawiah, Africa Lead for Sustainable Finance Advisory at KPMG Africa, presented on 'Net Zero Concepts and Business Implications,' outlining how African businesses are transitioning towards net zero emissions. He referenced the 'triple bottom line' framework, encouraging firms to go beyond financial performance and embed environmental and social responsibility into core operations. The discussion also underscored the importance of context-specific approaches, alignment with policy frameworks, and scalable, industry-relevant solutions for resilient transitions.
This year's Sustainability Conference will feature panel discussions moderated by Dr Abena Nyarkoa Asomaning of Ghana EXIM Bank on 'The Current State of Sustainable Banking: Mobilising Private Sector Capital for Climate Action in Ghana,' and Mina Agyemang of the UN Global Compact on 'Climate Finance and the Real Economy.'
