Financial analysts urged to incorporate ESG

Vice Chancellor-Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) Professor Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa has urged Ghana’s financial analysts to incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into their analyses and decision-making.

It formed part of the keynote address read on his behalf at the Chartered Institute of Financial and Investment Analysts, Ghana (CIFIAG) 2024 Annual Conference.

Mr. Afoakwa noted that by integrating environmental considerations into financial analysis, financial analysts can contribute data-driven insights that allow for smarter and more sustainable financial decisions.

He emphasised the impactful role financial analysts play in addressing some of the country’s most pressing environmental issues. “Doing this will ensure that environmental, social and governance factors are considered alongside traditional financial metrics,” he added.

By evaluating the economic costs and benefits of implementing green policies, he said, they help businesses align their operations with sustainable practices that are both environmentally and economically sound.

The Vice Chancellor said with accurate, up-to-date information, financial analysts can better evaluate risks and opportunities – ensuring that environmental considerations are factored into every financial decision made.

By ensuring transparent environmental reporting and financial disclosure, the analysts help create a system wherein businesses are held responsible for their environmental impact and encouraged to adopt sustainable practices.

Registrar of CIFIAG, Dr. Isaac Ntiamoah, in his keynote address stressed that the financial and investment analysts’ key role is to educate the public and investors to have confidence in the country’s institutions when transacting official business.

Dr. Anim-Prempeh, President-CIFIAG, was awarding recipients who excelled in their respective fields of work and honoured for his excellence in Financial and Economic Policy Analysis in 2024. Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa received the Visionary Academic Leadership Award for this year.

The 2024 Annual Conference and Induction Ceremony also featured a panel discussion on the role of Financial Analysts in Sustainability, Environmental, Social and Governance (SESG) reporting.

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