Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM) has officially joined the United Nations Global Compact, committing to align its operations with globally recognized principles on human rights, labour, environmental sustainability and anti-corruption.
This is part of efforts to strengthen responsible and sustainable financing.
The move marks a significant milestone in the Bank’s sustainability agenda and reinforces its commitment to integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into its operations while supporting the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana EXIM Bank, Sylvester Mensah, said joining the UN Global Compact demonstrates the Bank’s commitment to conducting business in a responsible, ethical and sustainable manner.
“Today marks a significant milestone for Ghana Export-Import Bank. We are honoured to officially join the United Nations Global Compact, aligning our operations with its Ten Principles across human rights, labour, environment, anti-corruption, among others. By embracing these principles, we reaffirm our commitment to conducting business in a responsible, ethical, and sustainable manner,” he said.
Sylvester Mensah noted that the Bank had already laid the foundation for its sustainability agenda by introducing an ESG and Sustainability Policy in January 2025.
According to him, the policy led to the establishment of the Sustainability and Strategic Impact Department (SSID), aimed at strengthening sustainable finance practices, improving impact measurement and embedding responsible financing principles across all aspects of the Bank’s operations.
He explained that the initiative was intended to ensure sustainability becomes an integral part of the institution’s business model rather than a standalone programme.
Sylvester Mensah said membership of the UN Global Compact represents the next phase of that journey by connecting Ghana EXIM Bank to a global network of organisations committed to responsible business practices while enhancing accountability.
He added that the partnership will support the Bank’s efforts to align its activities with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 17, which promotes global partnerships for sustainable development.
“The partnership offers us a valuable platform to learn, collaborate and share our experiences as we strive to make a positive difference,” he stated.
The CEO further disclosed that Ghana EXIM Bank has already begun measuring and reporting the impact of its operations and financing activities on Ghanaian society.
He said, under its commitment to the UN Global Compact, the Bank will further strengthen transparency by regularly communicating its progress and ensuring accountability to stakeholders and the communities it serves.
“We have already begun taking concrete steps to measure and report on the impact of our operations and financing activities on the Ghanaian society. As part of our commitment under the UN Global Compact, we will go even further by transparently communicating our progress, ensuring that we remain accountable to both our stakeholders and th communities we serve as enshrined in the legal framework that establishes us,”
Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Ghana, Tolu Kweku Lacroix, welcomed Ghana EXIM Bank’s decision to join the United Nations Global Compact and commended the Bank for committing to embed the initiative’s Ten Principles into its operations.
He described the move as a significant step towards promoting responsible business practices and advancing sustainable development in Ghana.
“We very much resonate with the words you have expressed today to commit to our 10 principles in the area of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption to ensure that these principles are embedded in your practices as a company, as a bank and for your stakeholders as well. We are here to assist your journey all the way,” Tolu Kweku Lacroix remarked.
