The Vice Chancellor of Pentecost University, Professor Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua, has said illegal mining, weak environmental governance, and poor climate accountability are creating long-term economic and social risks that could undermine future national development if urgent action is not taken.
In a keynote address delivered on his behalf at the Discovery ESG & Sustainability Leadership and Climate Change Summit 2026 in Accra, he warned that the destruction of forests, pollution of major river bodies and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources were threatening the country’s food security, water systems, public health and long-term economic stability.
“True sustainable resource governance means recognising that an asset destroyed today creates a generational liability that no short-term economic gain can justify,” he said.
He stressed that countries seeking sustainable growth and stronger investor confidence must move beyond temporary interventions and adopt long term climate governance, environmental protection and transparent ESG systems capable of supporting resilient economic development.
Additionally, Professor Agyapong-Kodua said sustainability could no longer be treated as a minor corporate responsibility issue because environmental protection, economic growth and national development were now closely linked.
According to him, the effects of climate change and environmental destruction were becoming more visible through changing rainfall patterns, threats to agricultural productivity, pressure on urban infrastructure and growing pollution caused by illegal mining.
He said investors around the world were paying greater attention to environmental, social and governance standards, with many now looking for countries and businesses that show transparency, climate responsibility and proper environmental management systems.
The Vice Chancellor also called for stronger climate reporting systems and better environmental data to help attract long term investment and build investor confidence.
He further encouraged the use of artificial intelligence and technology-driven systems to improve environmental monitoring, climate management and protection of natural resources.
The summit, organised by Discovery Leadership Consulting in collaboration with the Chamber of ESG & Sustainability Leadership Ghana, brought together policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, sustainability experts, academics, development partners and corporate organisations to discuss climate resilience, ESG governance and sustainable economic growth.
It was on the theme: “Resetting the National Agenda for Climate Resilience and ESG Excellence: Confronting Galamsey, Leveraging AI and Sustainable Innovation in Banking and Energy for Economic Growth.”
Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Leadership Consulting, Frank Adu Anim, said the summit was designed to move ESG discussions beyond compliance and reporting into practical action and measurable results.
He said the country continued to face serious environmental problems from climate change, deforestation, water pollution and illegal mining, while investors and international markets were increasingly demanding stronger accountability and sustainable business practices.
According to him, sustainable national development would require stronger cooperation among government, regulators, academia, businesses, development institutions and civil society organisations.
Professor Kwadwo Owusu, Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies at the University of Ghana, said the country’s climate policy reforms offered an opportunity to link climate action with industrial growth, economic development and energy security.
He said previous climate management systems had been spread across different institutions, creating coordination problems, duplication of roles and weak accountability that slowed the implementation of climate programmes.
Professor Owusu, however, expressed optimism about the new climate direction being pursued by government, saying stronger technical skills, climate education and sustainable funding would be important to achieving long term climate resilience.
Managing Director and Country Head of Matrix Gas Ghana Ltd, Saeed Ahmed Lakho, said the country’s move toward green energy and sustainability presented major opportunities for investment and economic growth.
He said there was still the need to deepen understanding of ESG issues across the country’s institutions, businesses and schools, adding that sustainability should also involve responsible behaviour and protecting the environment for future generations.
Awards segment
The event also featured the Discovery ESG & Climate Change Awards, which recognised institutions and individuals for their contributions to climate action, sustainability innovation, environmental protection, responsible mining, renewable energy, sustainable finance and ESG leadership.
The awards formed part of efforts to encourage stronger environmental responsibility, ethical governance and sustainable business practices across both the public and private sectors.
Chamber of ESG & Sustainability Leadership launched
Additionally, the summit witnessed the official launch of the Chamber of ESG & Sustainability Leadership Ghana, a platform aimed at promoting ESG awareness, sustainability advocacy, climate resilience and responsible business conduct across the country and the wider ECOWAS region.
The post Sustainable growth depends on stronger ESG systems appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.
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