The Ghana Export-Import Bank (Ghana Exim Bank) has officially joined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), becoming part of the world's largest corporate sustainability initiat
The report indicates that the Ghana Export-Import Bank (Ghana Exim Bank) has officially joined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), becoming part of the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative in a move that reinforces its commitment to responsible banking, sustainable finance and ethical corporate governance.
It further notes that the landmark announcement was made during a signing ceremony held in Accra on Thursday, July 2, where the bank formally pledged to align its operations and business strategy with the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles covering human rights, labour standards, environmental stewardship and anti-corruption.
The move places Ghana Exim Bank among a growing global network of more than 20,000 companies and organisations committed to advancing sustainable business practices while supporting the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Exim Bank, Mr Sylvester Adinam Mensah, described the occasion as a defining moment in the bank’s evolution, noting that membership of the Global Compact reflects its determination to operate as a responsible financial institution that balances economic growth with social and environmental responsibility.
“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.”
He explained that the decision forms part of a broader institutional transformation that seeks to embed environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into every aspect of the bank’s operations, financing decisions and stakeholder engagements.
According to Mr Mensah, Ghana Exim Bank began laying the groundwork for this transition in January 2025 with the introduction of a comprehensive ESG and Sustainability Policy.
As part of the reforms, the bank established the Sustainability and Strategic Impact Department (SSID) to drive the implementation of sustainability initiatives across the institution.
He stated the department was created to strengthen the bank’s sustainable finance framework, improve impact measurement and ensure that responsible financing principles become integral to the institution’s operations rather than stand-alone initiatives.
“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,” he stated.
“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 Mensah emphasised that sustainability must move beyond policy statements to become an essential component 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.
The Chief Executive Officer noted that joining the UN Global Compact would further strengthen Ghana Exim Bank’s efforts to contribute meaningfully to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals through stronger partnerships, knowledge-sharing and continuous institutional improvement.
