Mr. Bernard Owusu-Ansah, Manager in the Governance, Risk & Compliance and ESG Services unit at KPMG Ghana, has urged Ghanaian businesses to move beyond surface-level compliance and embrace Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices as a core driver of long-term value and responsible leadership,
Speaking during a webinar hosted by the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with KPMG Ghana, Mr. Owusu-Ansah called for a shift from simply “ticking boxes” to adopting a more ambitious, purpose-driven approach to ESG.
He said “your ambition will determine if you are just ticking boxes, or if you are genuinely creating change,” urging leaders to embed ESG into their strategic frameworks rather than treat it as a compliance exercise.
ESG as a Strategic Imperative
The webinar highlighted the growing influence of ESG frameworks in shaping global investment decisions and stakeholder expectations. As ESG shifts from being a voluntary initiative to a strategic necessity, Mr. Owusu-Ansah emphasized that Ghanaian companies must begin to see ESG as a tool for transformation, risk management, and sustainable growth.
He noted that global investors are increasingly evaluating companies based on their ESG performance. In this context, local businesses must build resilience and competitiveness by aligning their practices with emerging standards on sustainability, ethical governance, and social impact.
“ESG is no longer a buzzword. It is becoming an essential factor in determining business success, access to capital, and brand credibility,” he said.
Challenging the Notion of “Woke Capitalism”
The discussion also addressed growing skepticism around ESG, particularly the criticism that it represents a form of “woke capitalism.”
Mr. Owusu-Ansah dismissed this perception, explaining that ESG is not about political correctness or superficial activism but it is about embedding integrity and sustainability into business models.
He challenged participants to consider whether ESG is truly transforming how companies operate, deliver value, and engage with communities. “We must ask ourselves: Is ESG just a trend? Or is it really shifting how we work and the value we create in society?”
For Mr. Owusu-Ansah, the answer is clear: when taken seriously, ESG becomes a catalyst for innovation, resilience, and positive societal impact.
Policy Support and Professional Advocacy
The KPMG expert also made a passionate call for action among professionals and policymakers. He encouraged corporate leaders to champion ESG within their organizations and adopt systems that track, measure, and report on impact.
At the same time, he urged Ghanaian policymakers to accelerate the development of clear and enforceable ESG regulations. Doing so, he said, would create an enabling environment for responsible business practices to thrive.
“Policymakers have a crucial role to play in setting the tone for responsible business in Ghana. Regulation should support innovation while ensuring companies are held accountable for their impact,” he added.
Data and Risk Integration
Moderated by Bernard Selikem Dzakpasu of KPMG Ghana’s Governance, Risk & Compliance unit, the webinar also examined how ESG risks are interconnected with broader business challenges, from data governance to climate resilience and reputational risk.
Participants discussed the importance of robust data systems for ESG reporting, transparency, and decision-making.
