MTN Ghana has intensified its sustainability efforts, focusing on waste management and expanding digital access across Ghana. The telecommunications company is dedicating its 2026 Sustainability Month to these critical areas, engaging both its employees and external stakeholders.
The initiative aims to embed responsible business practices within the company and among its customers and small businesses. Activities include internal staff competitions, 'Lunch and Learn' sessions on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, and community outreach. This balanced approach seeks to make sustainability a core part of everyday business and personal decisions.
This drive aligns with Ghana's broader economic goals of fostering sustainable development and digital transformation. As the nation grapples with increasing urban waste and the need for widespread digital literacy, MTN's focus addresses key challenges. The company's efforts complement national policies promoting environmental stewardship and digital inclusion, crucial for economic growth and social equity.
Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, Acting General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Ghana, highlighted the company's commitment. She stated, "Telecommunication services are becoming like a human rights issue and everybody needs access." This underscores the importance of digital inclusion in the company's sustainability agenda.
The company's actions will likely influence other corporate entities in Ghana to adopt more robust sustainability frameworks. Increased awareness of waste management and digital access could lead to broader industry shifts. Policymakers and regulators will observe these corporate initiatives as they shape future environmental and digital policies.
MTN Ghana's Sustainability Month began with an internal launch, followed by competitions testing employee knowledge on sustainability. These internal engagements ensure that staff understand and adopt responsible business practices. The company believes that internal understanding is crucial for external impact.
A significant activity involved a 'Lunch and Learn' session, themed 'ESG in Your Zone'. This session brought together staff from various departments to discuss integrating ESG principles into their daily work. Teams like energy, human resources, ethics, and commercial operations participated, exploring practical applications of sustainability.
The energy team explained measures for conserving energy within MTN's operations. Human resources and ethics teams discussed responsible conduct and employee well-being. The commercial team focused on both revenue generation and expanding affordable broadband services, recognizing telecommunications as essential.
MTN staff also visited the Accra Composites and Recycling Plant to understand waste management challenges firsthand. This visit aimed to raise awareness about the significant volume of waste generated in Accra. Accra produces approximately 4,000 tonnes of waste daily, with only about 2,000 tonnes currently recycled.
Ms. Asare Fiagbenu questioned the fate of the remaining 50% of waste, emphasizing the need for responsible disposal. She stressed that the visit reinforced the critical need to combat indiscriminate and irresponsible waste behavior. This experience encourages employees to reconsider their waste disposal habits.
The initiative extends to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), with MTN Business bringing together about 120 SMEs. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) will provide training on adopting sustainable business practices. This training helps SMEs balance growth with social and environmental responsibility.
Ms. Asare Fiagbenu noted, "We can't do it on our own." She highlighted the importance of involving other businesses in the sustainability conversation. This collaborative approach aims to foster a wider ecosystem of responsible business practices across Ghana.
Future activities for the month include a tree-planting exercise, further demonstrating MTN's commitment to environmental protection. The company is also establishing a garden club with its Human Resources team. These actions collectively underscore MTN Ghana's comprehensive approach to sustainability.