Ms Harriet Thompson, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, has commended CalBank Limited for its role in fighting global warming.

The Commissioner, thus, urged other private sector institutions and organisations to join the crusade in fighting global warming and to reduce the negative consequences of climate change.

Ms Thompson praised the bank when she paid a working visit to its head office in Accra, to acquaint herself with structures and operations of the bank. She said the visit is an opportunity for her to observe the ‘green features’ inculcated in bank’s 12-storey and 15,200 square meter tower, which was inaugurated in 2019.

Ms Thompson subsequently ceased the opportunity to invite the bank to take note of the up-coming climate change conference (Conference of the Parties) COP 26, in Glasgow, UK, in November. She explained that the event would enable world leaders and people operating in industry to discuss and commit to an action plan, to reduce global warming to 1.5 degrees.

According to the British High Commissioner to Ghana, the conference would also showcase UK’s readiness to invest in activities that would create sustainable jobs and address urgent challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and public health.

Ms Thompson disclosed that UK has been supporting Ghana in planning resilient cities and sustainable infrastructure through the Cities and Infrastructure for Growth Programme. Moreover, she hinted that the United Kingdom is ready to extend more financial supports to Ghana to reduce global warming and accelerate the transition to clean energy in the future.

Phillip Owiredu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Cal Bank, assured the High Commissioner that his outfit is committed to playing active role in the transition from non-renewable energy to green energy.

The CEO asserted that the bank has signed onto the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Gender equity, Affordable and Clean Energy, and Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, to prove its readiness to fighting global warming.

Mr Owiredu noted that the offices of the tower are fitted with green features such as: solar power systems, water supply systems, pipeline green project, motion controlled led lighting, among others. Meanwhile, he praised the competences of the local contractors, noting that the huge edifice was designed and executed by local contractors.

The CEO further stated that features fitted on the tower increase efficiency and reduced energy cost, in addition to improvement in operational efficiency.

Mr Owiredu averred that CalBank has received financial support from the French Development Agency (AFD) through Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and Energy Finance (SUNREF), to assist individuals and corporate bodies undertake green projects in the country. He disclosed that the bank has been able to secure US$20million from the French Development Agency (AFD) to support green projects in the Ghanaian economy.

According to the CEO, companies, organizations, individuals, and households who plan to undertake any green projects in their offices, homes and communities would be better placed to receive loans from the bank.

“We [CalBank] also have partnerships with companies that provide solar project services, where we could finance them and they would provide the services to individuals who need them, and these individuals who are on board will pay within some specific time.”
Phillip Owiredu