MTN Ghana urges businesses to make sustainability a way of life, not just compliance

Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, MTN Ghana's Acting General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value, has urged businesses and individuals to move beyond mere regulatory compliance and make sustainability an integral part of their daily lives. The call comes as part of a month-long initiative under the theme 'Together for a Sustainable Future: Small Actions, Big Impact', signifying MTN's dedication to responsible growth.

Speaking on JoyFM Super Morning Show, Mrs Fiagbenu highlighted various measures MTN is implementing to reduce energy consumption and protect the environment. She emphasized the company's transition to energy-efficient lighting systems and the introduction of automated lighting systems that switch off when rooms are unoccupied. Mrs Fiagbenu also explained that these automated systems conserve energy by automatically turning off lights when a room is left empty.

The MTN executive stressed that environmental responsibility is deeply ingrained in the company's ethics and leadership. She noted that Ghana has a long history of practices promoting cleanliness, conservation, and responsible resource use. Mrs Fiagbenu pointed out community practices where residents maintained cleanliness and past public campaigns encouraging electricity conservation as examples of such practices.

Moreover, she highlighted the company's efforts to combat illegal chainsaw operations and indiscriminate tree cutting to safeguard Ghana's natural resources. Mrs Fiagbenu stressed that environmental responsibility is a fundamental aspect of responsible living and urged businesses and individuals to operate efficiently, responsibly, and guided by ethical values.

While mandatory sustainability reporting is expected to gain prominence from 2027, Mrs Fiagbenu stressed that companies should not wait for regulations to take action. She reiterated that MTN views sustainability as a way of life, not just a compliance requirement. The company representative emphasized the importance of judicious resource management, particularly in electricity consumption, urging businesses and individuals to use available resources efficiently.

Mrs Fiagbenu called for collective action involving businesses, individuals, and communities across Ghana to ensure environmental and social responsibility initiatives are widely embraced. She emphasized that every individual in Ghana must play their part in protecting the environment and promoting ethical conduct. MTN Ghana's Sustainability Month activities aim to promote responsible practices and encourage stakeholders to integrate environmental protection and ethical conduct into their daily lives.