Absa Bank Ghana Ltd has joined forces with the Business Ethics Network Africa (BEN Africa) to organize a conference aimed at advancing ethical business practices for enhanced operational efficiency and productivity. Scheduled for November 2024, the event will be supported by the Ghana Communications Technology University and is designed to bring together key players from various sectors.
The conference will introduce participating Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to the Ethically Aware Supplier Induction Programme, equipping them with the necessary skills to manage risks effectively and ensure regulatory compliance.
BEN Africa, which was founded at Nelson Mandela University Business School in South Africa, provides an important forum for business leaders, public sector figures, and non-profit organizations to discuss and exchange ideas on ethical decision-making in the business world.
At the launch of the event in Accra, Dr. Edward Nartey Botchway, Managing Director of Absa Bank, highlighted the importance of ethical integrity in overcoming the growing challenges businesses face in Africa today. He stressed that the conference would allow financial sector professionals to adopt ethical values and principles that would improve customer engagement and service delivery.
Dr. Botchway urged businesses to embed high ethical standards in their operations, noting that ethical practices are not only a corporate responsibility but also a critical factor in achieving sustainable, long-term business growth.
Mrs. Judith Haizel, Compliance Director at Absa Bank, encouraged organizations and banking staff to use the conference as an opportunity to deepen their understanding of organizational ethics. She emphasized that while ethics is already ingrained in Absa Bank’s operations, the event would further strengthen this foundation.
“We know that our staff and suppliers are continuously aware of the importance of ethics, but this conference will enhance their commitment even more,” Mrs. Haizel said. “We expect robust discussions that will lead to new ideas, allowing both staff and suppliers to improve their ethical standards and overall business operations.”
She also called on business leaders to foster environments where ethical values are prioritized, as these principles are fundamental to the sustainable success of any business.
In his remarks, Professor George Ampong, Dean of the Ghana Communication Technology University Business School, emphasized the critical role that educational institutions play in cultivating a culture of ethics within the business community and the nation at large.
He encouraged stakeholders in the business and regulatory sectors to support the inclusion of modern topics like ethics in higher education curricula
Source: GNA
