She said there was a global shift towards evaluating compa­nies not solely based on reve­nue and profit figures, but also on their sustainable and social impact.

In a speech delivered on her behalf by Akosua Manu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the National Youth Authority, Mrs Bawumia at the 2023 Sustainabil­ity & Social Investment Awards (SSI), held in Accra, pointed out the dual challenge faced by nations like Ghana in the need for economic development alongside environmental preservation.

Factors such as rapid urban­isation, industrialisation, and population growth have strained natural resources, resulting in deforestation, pollution, and cli­mate change. She emphasised that these environmental issues did not only jeopardise the health of the planet but also the foundation of economic growth.

“Amidst these challenges, there lies a glimmer of hope – the realisation that sustainability does not impede economic growth, but rather acts as a catalyst for it. A sustainable economy can flour­ish without compromising the well-being of future generations. It is an economy that embraces innovation, efficiency, and a circu­lar approach to resource manage­ment,” she added.

Mrs Bawumia commended the awards scheme, expressing her belief that it would inject much-needed momentum into the drive for a balanced approach to economic advancement and social responsibility.

University of Mines and Tech­nology (UMaT) Vice Chancellor, Professor Richard K. Amankwah, challenged the traditional notion that sustainability and economic development were conflicting forces.

Instead, he showcased their symbiotic nature as essential components of a prosperous and equitable future.

Prof.Amankwah stressed the necessity for deeper collaboration between stakeholders, particularly industry and academia, to harmo­nise efforts toward increased eco­nomic growth with environmental preservation.

Chairman of the award­ing board, Professor Douglas Boateng, elucidated that the SSI Awards aimed to recognise, learn from, and provide networking opportunities for those commit­ted to sustainability principles in a responsible, equitable, and transparent manner.

“The Sustainability & Social Investment Awards have evolved into a benchmark, a symbol of excellence, and a celebration of those who go above and beyond in their commitment to creating a more sustainable and socially responsible world,” he added.

He hinted that some of the companies recognised for their various projects towards sustain­ability at the event were FBN Bank Ghana, Charitable Giving and Philanthropy; Electrochem Ghana, Community Development & Infrastructure Project; ECOM Ghana, Climate Change Mitiga­tion Projects; Anglogold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, Economic Em­powerment and UBA Educational Sustainability Project.