Sustainable financing is not a trend but a long-term necessity that strengthens banks, attracts investors, and builds public trust, Alberta Doh – Brown, Branch Manager of Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG), has said.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with PETV, Alberta Doh – Brown said sustainable financing enhances the financial stability of banks by helping them integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into their lending and investment decisions.
“It enhances a bank’s reputation, fosters durable investment returns, and helps mitigate risk,” she noted, describing sustainability as the foundation for any financial system that seeks to endure.
“Sustainable finance is not just good business—it’s responsible banking,”
She said for banks to support environmentally and socially responsible investments while remaining profitable, they must embed sustainability into their core strategies and product offerings. According to her, transparent stakeholder engagement, strong collaborations with government and NGOs, staff training, and the use of data-driven technology are essential in this regard.
Alberta Doh – Brown warned that failing to integrate sustainability into financial decisions comes with heavy consequences including reputational damage, compliance risks, capital loss, financial instability, and heightened operational costs.
She said sustainable financing is in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that finance must be directed at investments that generate measurable economic, environmental and social impact.
“CBG plays its part by lending responsibly, collaborating with regulators and investors, tracking our carbon footprint, and financing sustainable projects,” she stated.
On balancing short-term costs with long-term gains, Alberta pointed to regulatory incentives, innovative instruments such as sustainability-linked loans, and a strategic shift towards long-term value creation.
She cited Access Bank and Consolidated Bank Ghana as examples of institutions aligning their strategies with global sustainability priorities. “Access Bank is driving inclusive growth, while at CBG, we remain committed to reducing climate-related financial risks,” she added.
Alberta Doh – Brown said banks that commit to sustainability not only mitigate risks but also build stronger brands and attract loyal customers and investors. She referenced regulatory frameworks such as the Ghana Green Finance Taxonomy, Bank of Ghana’s Sustainable Banking Principles, SEC’s Green Bond Guidelines, and the Environmental Protection Agency Act 2025 as important enablers.
She called for continuous innovation, urging banks to develop products like green loans, sustainable savings, climate tracking tools, and incentive-based programs to promote sustainable behaviour.
“Sustainable finance is not just good business—it’s responsible banking,” she said.
Source : African Property Magazine – Joycelyn Marigold
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