By Francis

Copyright thebftonline

Societe Generale Ghana has launched its Green Funding Initiative, at the bank’s exclusive Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) networking event held at the French Ambassador’s Residence in Accra.

The Green Funding Initiative features three custom-made offers: the Green Drive Offer, the Green Energy Offer, and the Green Impact Offer. These offers have all been designed to provide staff and customers with low interest loan rates to buy electric vehicles, to adopt cleaner energy solutions, and to support businesses committed to driving sustainability, respectively.

Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Societe Generale Ghana, Mr. Hakim Ouzzani stressed the bank’s commitment to keep pushing ESG goals by incorporating them into the bank’s financial solutions.

“At Societe Generale Ghana, we recognize that Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals are no longer rhetorics, they have become an essential part of business solutions towards a better future” he stated.

He expressed confidence that the Green Funding Initiative will equip individuals and businesses with innovative financial tools to practically push the sustainability agenda.

He also used the chance to highlight the many efforts made by the bank within the ESG space, providing innovative financial, environmental and social solutions to customers, staff and communities.

“These projects have enhanced education and literacy, clean water and renewable energy, health of our communities, as well as music and arts”, Mr. Ouzzani added.

Presidential Advisor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, in his remarks, stressed the need for accountability frameworks that ensure that efforts towards sustainability are measurable and lasting.

“A greener future is not the responsibility of one institution, sector or government alone, it is a shared responsibility and an opportunity to re-define how we grow produce, consume and live”, he further added.

Director of Banking Supervision at the Bank of Ghana, Mr. Ismail Adam his address highlighted the efforts being made by the Central bank towards sustainability through polices, projects and partnerships.

“We are so much aligned with the theme for this evening’s programme, which is Collective Action for a Greener Future. Across industries, sectors and institutions, the conversations around revolving around ESG and we are also spearheading initiatives that promote the long-term value of businesses,” said Mr. Adam.

He also commended SG Ghana for continually championing sustainability efforts, bringing impact to lives and communities.

Chargé d’affaires of the French Embassy, Mr. Rafael Pont, Representative of the Vice President of Ghana, Dr Hamza Bukari, also in their various addresses, highlighted the importance of embracing the SDGs and reminded all present of their collective agenda to keep working towards a better world for the next generation.

The event was graced by Ghana’s presidential advisor on the Economy, Mr. Seth Terkper, Director General of SSNIT, Mr Kwesi Afreh, Senior Country Manager of the IFC, Kyle Kelhofer, among many other dignitaries, customers and staff of the bank.

The occasion featured exhibitions by sustainable businesses– EV companies, solar companies, and others.