The Ghana Export-Import Bank (Ghana Exim Bank) has taken a major leap onto the global sustainability stage after officially joining the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.
The landmark decision signals a stronger commitment by the state-owned development finance institution to responsible banking, sustainable finance and ethical corporate governance as it aligns its operations with internationally recognised environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.
The announcement was made during a signing ceremony held in Accra on Thursday, July 2, where Ghana Exim Bank formally pledged to uphold the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles, covering human rights, labour standards, environmental protection and anti-corruption.
With this move, the bank joins an influential global community of more than 20,000 companies and organisations working collectively to advance responsible business practices while supporting the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Defining Moment for Ghana Exim Bank
Describing the occasion as a historic milestone, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Exim Bank, Mr Sylvester Adinam Mensah, said joining the UN Global Compact represents a significant transformation in the institution’s journey towards becoming a globally recognised responsible financial institution. “Today marks a significant milestone for Ghana Export-Import Bank,” Mr Mensah said.
“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 and other critical areas. By embracing these principles, we reaffirm our commitment to conducting business in a responsible, ethical and sustainable manner.”
Mr Sylvester Adinam Mensah
According to him, the decision reflects the bank’s determination to balance economic development with social responsibility and environmental stewardship while ensuring that sustainability remains central to every aspect of its operations.
Sustainability Becomes Core Business Strategy
Mr Mensah explained that the latest development is part of a broader institutional transformation aimed at embedding ESG principles into financing decisions, governance systems and stakeholder engagements.
He revealed that the groundwork for this transition began in January 2025 when the bank introduced a comprehensive ESG and Sustainability Policy designed to guide its long-term development agenda.
As part of that strategy, Ghana Exim Bank established the Sustainability and Strategic Impact Department (SSID), a specialised unit tasked with driving sustainability initiatives across the institution.
“In January 2025, we took decisive steps to introduce an ESG and Sustainability Policy, which saw the creation and mainstreaming of the Sustainability and Strategic Impact Department.
“This was undertaken to strengthen our sustainable finance practices, enhance our approach to impact measurement and embed responsible financing principles across all areas of our operations.”
Mr Sylvester Adinam Mensah
Mr Mensah stressed that sustainability should never exist merely as a corporate aspiration but must become a permanent feature of institutional decision making. “It also signalled our intent to move beyond ambition into action by ensuring that sustainability is not an isolated initiative, but a core part of our operations,” he added.
Global Partnerships to Drive Greater Impact
The Chief Executive Officer believes membership of the UN Global Compact will significantly strengthen Ghana Exim Bank’s contribution to Ghana’s economic transformation through stronger international collaboration and knowledge sharing.
He highlighted Sustainable Development Goal 17, which focuses on partnerships, as one of the major reasons behind the bank’s decision to join the global initiative.
“Our participation in the UN Global Compact represents an important progression in this journey and also supports our efforts to implement activities that align with the Sustainable Development Goals.
“SDG 17 calls for global partnerships for sustainable development, and that is exactly what joining the UN Global Compact does. It connects us to a global network of like-minded organisations dedicated to advancing responsible business practices.”
Mr Sylvester Adinam Mensah
According to Mr Mensah, becoming part of the international network also places greater responsibility on the bank to continuously improve its operations while strengthening transparency and accountability.
“At the same time, it holds us to a higher standard of accountability, requiring us to continuously improve our operations, measure our impact effectively and contribute meaningfully to global sustainability goals.”
Mr Sylvester Adinam Mensah
Greater Transparency and Accountability Ahead
Beyond joining the international sustainability movement, Ghana Exim Bank has already begun implementing systems to measure and report the developmental impact of its financing activities on businesses, communities and the wider Ghanaian economy.
Mr Mensah disclosed that transparent reporting will become an even more important aspect of the bank’s operations under its new commitments. “We have already begun taking concrete steps to measure and report on the impact of our operations and financing activities on Ghanaian society,” he stated.
“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 as enshrined in the legal framework that establishes us.”
Mr Sylvester Adinam Mensah
He reaffirmed the bank’s resolve to continue integrating responsible business principles into governance, financing decisions and stakeholder engagements while supporting industrialisation, export development and inclusive economic growth.
UN Global Compact Welcomes Ghana Exim Bank
Also speaking at the ceremony, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Ghana, Mr Tolu Kweku Lacroix, described Ghana Exim Bank’s decision as a significant boost for responsible corporate leadership and sustainable development in Ghana.
He commended the institution for embracing the Global Compact’s Ten Principles and stressed that the real value of membership lies in translating those principles into everyday business practices.
“We resonate very strongly with the commitment you have expressed today to our Ten Principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. These principles must be embedded in your practices as a company, as a bank and across your stakeholder engagements, and we are here to support you throughout that journey.”
Mr Tolu Kweku Lacroix
He assured the bank of continued support through sustainability accelerators, specialised programmes and capacity building initiatives that will strengthen ESG performance and responsible corporate governance.
Mr Lacroix explained that membership offers opportunities to collaborate with organisations across Africa and the world while exchanging knowledge and developing practical solutions to sustainability challenges. “We will introduce you to our programmes and accelerators so that you will be able to learn and connect with others,” he stated.
“We have an extensive network of companies within the Global Compact. Here in Africa, we have 12 local networks, while globally we have about 70 networks representing more than 20,000 companies.”
Mr Tolu Kweku Lacroix
Positioning Ghana for Sustainable Economic Growth
Mr Lacroix further underscored the importance of corporate leadership in advancing sustainable business transformation.
“It was chief executive officers and managing directors who came together in 1999 to answer the call to join a compact of principles. It started with just 40 companies, and today that number has grown to more than 20,000 organisations worldwide.”
Mr Tolu Kweku Lacroix
Expressing confidence in Ghana Exim Bank’s long-term commitment, he said the institution is well positioned to become one of Ghana’s strongest advocates for sustainable finance and responsible corporate governance. “It is our belief that because of this commitment, this will not be an initiative for just one year, but one that will endure for many years to come,” he remarked.
“Ghana Exim Bank will contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, and we in Ghana stand ready and remain available to work with you in advancing your sustainability journey.”
Mr Tolu Kweku Lacroix
With its entry into the UN Global Compact, Ghana Exim Bank has signalled that sustainability is no longer simply an aspiration but an integral part of its future. As the institution strengthens its ESG framework, expands international partnerships and enhances accountability, it is positioning itself to play a leading role in financing Ghana’s industrialisation while contributing meaningfully to the global sustainable development agenda.
READ ALSO: Cocoa Growth Plunges From 23.1% to 3.8%
