Accra: President John Dramani Mahama announced that Ghana is developing a National Environmental Sustainability Governance (ESG) and Climate Disclosure Roadmap to standardise sustainability reporting across sectors.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Roadmap is designed to attract green investments while guarding against greenwashing. President Mahama, in a speech read on his behalf at the opening of a summit on ESG reporting and sustainable growth in Accra, explained that the roadmap would be adaptable to enterprises of all sizes. It aims to ensure that businesses and institutions align with global best practices in transparency, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.
The National ESG and Climate Disclosure Roadmap will provide a common framework for reporting, guiding capital towards green and inclusive investments. The President indicated that the Roadmap is being developed alongside an Energy Transition Investment Pipeline and a Sustainable Finance Framework to channel private and public finance into climate-friendly projects.
The two-day summit, organised by TSL Sustainability in collaboration with the ministries of Energy and Green Transition, Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), and Lands and Natural Resources, is being held under the theme: 'Sustainable Growth: ESG Reporting, EU Taxonomy, and Strategic Pathways for Developing Economies.' The summit is addressing ESG reporting frameworks and exploring how African economies can strategically position themselves in the green transition by tackling critical challenges such as climate change, artisanal and small-scale mining, energy transition, sustainable finance, and governance reforms. It also highlights innovative solutions for resilience and inclusive growth.
President Mahama outlined Ghana's broader transition vision, resting on three pillars: energy security, industrial decarbonisation, and inclusive development. He cited efforts in renewable energy expansion, nuclear power deployment, universal energy access, clean cooking solutions, and decentralised energy systems to ensure no community is left behind.
On the industrial front, Ghana is promoting energy efficiency, clean fuels, and green hydrogen, while safeguarding natural capital and empowering host communities. To support these initiatives, innovative financing tools such as green bonds and sustainability-linked instruments will be leveraged.
The President noted that the effective implementation of the roadmap requires strong data infrastructure and capacity building for all stakeholders. The country has also prioritised its Nuclear Readiness and Governance Programme to ensure safe, transparent nuclear energy deployment, as well as fast-tracking renewable energy procurement, grid reinforcement, and universal access initiatives.
By embedding transparency into its transition agenda, Ghana aims to formalise the informal sector, green value chains, deepen capital markets, and protect livelihoods while positioning the country as a leader in sustainable finance on the continent.
Dr Shelter Lotsu, the Chief Executive Officer of TSL Sustainability Ghana, mentioned that three major outcomes are expected from the summit: policy recommendations, capacity building, and a strong case for mandatory ESG reporting. He stressed that it is expected for Ghana to move beyond voluntary guidelines towards a mandatory ESG reporting regime that aligns with global standards, attracts capital, and secures a competitive future.
Ms Ayesha Bedwei Ibe, the Tax Leader at Price Waterhouse Coopers, emphasized that Africa must seize the generational opportunity to build more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economies, rather than merely adapting to global trends.
