Accra, Sep 16, GNA – Fidelity Bank Ghana, the largest privately-owned indigenous bank, has been named “Best ESG Bank of the Year 2024 in Ghana” by the Global Business and Finance Magazine Awards.
The award recognises Fidelity Bank’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and its efforts to drive sustainable growth in Ghana’s financial sector.
The Global Business and Finance Magazine Awards honour organisations that have made significant contributions to the fields of business and finance.
The recognition, among other things, underscores Fidelity Bank’s innovative Environmental and Social Risk Assessment (ESRA) process for all loans as it ensures that climate risks are considered in lending decisions, officials said in a release copied to the Ghana News Agency.
Mr Julian Opuni, Managing Director, Fidelity Bank, said the award reflected the institution’s constant efforts to embed sustainable practices in all operations.
The Bank, he said, continued to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability through initiatives such as “Waste to Cash”programme, which focuses on recycling paper and plastic waste.
He said the business, in the first half of 2024, recycled about 2.8 tonnes of paper generated from its daily operations.
“By reducing waste and exploring innovative recycling methods, we are actively contributing to Ghana’s environmental sustainability goals and setting a benchmark in the banking industry,” he noted.
Fidelity Bank again proved its obligation to sustainable practices by awarding more than GHS 1.4 million in grants to 17 businesses that address key challenges in the agriculture sector using technology, through its inaugural GreenTech Innovation Challenge (GTIC) held in August this year.
In line with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Support, the Bank was also named “Best CSR Bank Ghana” by Global Business and Finance Magazine, and Best CSR Bank Ghana by the Global Banking & Finance Awards.
Seven schools, including Accra Royal JHS, have been beneficiaries of the Bank’s “Orange Impact” initiative, launched in 2022, which supports 15 schools over five years with classroom construction, refurbishments, and learning materials.
Fidelity Bank is also hailed as the “Best SME Bank,” having empowered 103 SMEs, in the first half of 2024, across sectors,through initiatives like the Fidelity Young Entrepreneurship Fund and Orange Corners.
Elsewhere, the Company was named the “Best Bank for Diversity and Inclusion” by the Euromoney Awards, recognisingits focus on economic empowerment for disabled people, gender equity, and opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
“Through partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Bank has reached over 15,000 people with remittance and financial inclusion programmes and mobilising over GH¢65 million in savings,” officials said.
“Our focus on supporting disabled entrepreneurs, gender equity, and empowering young girls to pursue careers in male-dominated fields is central to our mission of fostering an inclusive and equitable society.
“As we celebrate these achievements, we are inspired to continue pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a sustainable and inclusive bank. We call on other like-minded organizations to join us in this journey toward a more sustainable and equitable future,” Mr. Opuni stated.
GNA