MTN Ghana has wrapped up its “Sustainability Week” celebration with a call for widespread adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles across industries.
Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe made the call during the week’s edition of MTN’s Bright Conversation on the theme Compliance to Opportunity: Embedding ESG in Business.
She highlighted MTN’s long-term commitment to sustainable practices, urging businesses and individuals alike to take responsibility for shaping a greener, more equitable future.
Adwoa Waife explained how MTN’s ESG strategy integrates sustainability into the company’s core values, saying that for MTN, ESG is more than a corporate requirement—it’s a mission to create value for communities, the environment, and the broader economy.
“Our strategy places ESG at the heart of everything we do because we believe in shared value,” Wiafe stated. “Sustainability Week is a reminder that responsible practices are essential, not optional.”
Key Focus Areas: Net zero emissions, social investment, and digital inclusion
This edition of Bright Conversation featured multiple panels and workshops, with in-depth discussions on MTN’s environmental and social goals. The telecom giant’s ambitious goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 took centre stage.
Adwoa Wiafe said MTN has already begun converting energy source at its data centres to solar energy and investing in energy-efficient infrastructure across its facilities.
“Achieving net zero by 2040 is a substantial goal, but one we believe is critical for the future of our planet,” she said. “Our investments in renewable energy reflect this commitment.”
MTN Ghana’s impact extends beyond environmental action. Through the MTN Foundation, the company continues to promote social change, investing in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
Recent initiatives include financial support for small businesses led by young entrepreneurs, women, and people with disabilities.
“Just this week, we provided financial assistance to SMEs in Koforidua,” Adwoa Wiafe stated, demonstrating MTN’s pledge to uplift underserved communities.
Industry Experts Highlight the ESG Journey and Challenges
One of the panelist was Dr. Felix Addo-Yobo, Deputy Director of the SDGs Advisory Unit at the Office of the President, who touched the evolving approach companies take toward ESG, from initial compliance to integrated practices that prioritize ethical impact.
He encouraged businesses to focus on equitable pay, flexible work, and employee well-being as part of their governance efforts. “A genuine commitment to ESG goes beyond a checklist—it must be part of your corporate identity,” he said, warning that companies face reputational risks if they only pay lip service to sustainability.
KPMG’s Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager, Bernard Owusu Ansah, emphasised that ESG requires clear, ambitious goals integrated into the organisation’s strategic plans.
He praised MTN Ghana for setting an example and cautioned against the risk of greenwashing, which can range from exaggerating progress to selectively omitting crucial information. “ESG is not just about compliance; it’s an opportunity to transform,” Ansah noted. “The impact is real, and stakeholders are watching.”
Building Sustainable Business Practices to Drive Positive Impact
The United Nations Global Compact Ghana’s Mina Pokuaa Agyemang added a global perspective, focusing on how companies can contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through ESG.
She highlighted that the UN’s four guiding pillars—human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption—should drive ethical business practices. “Creating jobs is important, but fair wages and supportive work environments are equally crucial,” Agyemang said.
She introduced resources like the SDG Manager tool, which helps businesses identify relevant SDGs and offers free training on sustainable practices.
Beyond the Panels: MTN Ghana’s Commitment to Lasting Impact
MTN Ghana’s “Sustainability Week” underscored that environmental and social responsibilities extend beyond compliance, inviting companies across sectors to act collectively.
The event highlighted MTN’s approach to sustainability as one embedded in every level of the company—from strategic vision to daily operations—promoting the belief that sustainability is a shared duty for all.
Concluding the week, Madam Wiafe remarked, “Sustainability is not just about MTN—it’s about everyone. This is our invitation to businesses and individuals to join us in driving positive change.”
With a commitment to environmental stewardship, social impact, and transparent governance, MTN Ghana is setting a high standard for corporate responsibility, proving that the path to sustainability can inspire and unite.
