GCB Bank Deepens Sustainable Financing Efforts to Advance ESG Agenda
GCB Bank PLC has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development by expanding financing initiatives that promote climate resilience, financial inclusion, and responsible business practices in line with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.
The Bank’s Executive Director for Wholesale and Investment Banking, Abdulsalam Alhassan, disclosed this during the 11th International Conference on Business Management, Entrepreneurship and Development (ICBMED) held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
Speaking on the theme, “Financing Sustainability and ESG-Driven Enterprises: The Role of Commercial Banking in Africa’s Economic Transformation,” Mr. Alhassan emphasized that sustainability and ESG considerations have become essential components of economic resilience, investment attractiveness, and long-term business growth.
He noted that climate change, environmental degradation, and governance-related challenges continue to pose significant risks to businesses and economies, making it imperative for financial institutions to support enterprises that encourage responsible resource management, transparency, and job creation.
According to Mr. Alhassan, GCB Bank has significantly strengthened its sustainability agenda over the past 18 months through targeted policies, operational reforms, and financing interventions aimed at supporting ESG-focused investments.
He revealed that the Bank has established a Board-level Sustainability Committee to oversee and ensure accountability for sustainability initiatives. Additionally, GCB has developed a Sustainability Framework and implemented an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) to assess environmental, social, and climate-related risks associated with SME and corporate lending before approvals are granted.
The Bank has also restructured its operations by creating a dedicated Commercial and Business Banking Division focused on Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), recognizing their critical role in driving employment and inclusive economic growth. Furthermore, GCB introduced a Staff Community Impact Programme (SCIP), which enables employees to support communities and contribute to sustainable development initiatives.
On the financing front, Mr. Alhassan disclosed that GCB is currently disbursing a US$13 million Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and Energy Finance (SUNREF) facility secured from the French Development Agency (AFD) to assist SME clients undertaking sustainable investment projects.
He indicated that through the facility, the Bank has already supported a medium-sized manufacturing company to install solar photovoltaic systems, resulting in nearly a 40 percent reduction in energy costs while significantly lowering carbon emissions.
Beyond environmental sustainability projects, GCB Bank continues to support social impact initiatives through affordable salary advance products, financial assistance for National Service personnel, investments in student accommodation infrastructure, and financing for road construction projects aimed at improving access to markets and production centres.
The UPSA International Conference on Business Management, Entrepreneurship and Development has, over the past decade, provided a platform for policymakers, business leaders, industry experts, and academics to deliberate on emerging trends and strategies for economic growth and business development across Africa.
This year’s conference was hosted by UPSA Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, and chaired by Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Mr. Elikem Kotoko.
GCB Bank PLC remains Ghana’s largest indigenous commercial bank, operating 183 branches and more than 340 ATMs nationwide. Since its establishment in 1953, the Bank has played a key role in supporting economic growth, financial inclusion, and enterprise development across the country.
