The summit is expected to bring together leaders from across the continent and beyond to discuss how ESG practices would shape a more sustainable and responsible future for Africa.

Speaking at the press launch, Dr Shelter Lotsu, Chairman of the Summit Planning and Organising Committee, described the summit as timely and urgent.

According to him, the event would focus on how developing economies can balance growth with environmental care, social well-being, and strong governance.

He noted that Ghana, like many African countries, is rich in natural resources, including gold, bauxite, lithium, and manganese, all vital for the global energy transition.

However, he warned that illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, was destroying rivers, forests, and farmlands, and putting the future of communities at risk.

“Our rivers, from the Ankobra to the Birim, are being choked with silt and poisoned with mercury. Forests are disappearing, biodiver­sity is under threat, and farming lands are being destroyed. If we don’t act now, we will leave behind an environmental debt far greater than any financial one,” Dr Lotsu said.

He said companies and govern­ments that adopt ESG principles tend to perform better, attract more investment, and gain public trust.

He called on various minis­tries, including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Sanitation — to work together to fight pollution and restore the environment.

He also urged the private sector, civil society, and community-based groups to play their part in pushing sustainability as a shared respon­sibility.

Dr Lotsu said that failing to do so could lead to more pollution, public anger, and higher operation­al costs in the future.

He explained that today’s inves­tors were no longer satisfied with just financial reports, “they now want to see full disclosures that cover areas like carbon emissions, water usage, waste handling, com­munity impact, and how compa­nies are governed.”

“International frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative, the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, and the EU Taxonomy are now setting global standards, and Africa must adapt to these frameworks,” he said.

Dr Lotsu also appealed to the media to play a key role in pro­moting ESG, “The media must help people see that this is not just corporate talk, but an issue that affects their daily lives,”.

The event would also show­case examples of successful ESG practices from other countries and companies to show that doing business sustainably is not only possible but profitable.