Financial And Investment Analysts Urged To Prioritize Transparency In Their Professional Practice
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa has urged financial and investment analysts to uphold transparency in their dealings and work, ensuring the highest standards of integrity and accountability in their professional practice.
The VC made this notable remark in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Dean of the GCTU Business School, Prof. George Ampong, during the 2024 Annual Conference and Induction Ceremony of the newly-qualified members of the Charted Institute of Financial and Investment Analysts, Ghana (CIFIA, Ghana), held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Florence Onny Auditorium. The theme for the occasion was “The Role of Analysts in Trending Environmental Issues: Ghana in Focus.”
Prof. Afoakwa stressed that transparency is the foundation of accountability in the financial sector, stating that by promoting transparent environmental reporting and disclosure, a system of accountability is established where businesses are held responsible for their environmental footprint and are incentivised to adopt sustainable practices. He further added that as analysts, they are in a unique position to engage with stakeholders, governments, investors, businesses and communities to develop sustainable financial solutions. “Your role in fostering collaboration ensures that the financial sector plays its part in addressing environmental issues,” he said.
According to Prof. Afoakwa, one of the most powerful tools which financial and investment analysts yield is their ability to guide investments that are not only profitable but also responsible. Identifying opportunities that align with environmental, social and governance criteria allows them to channel capital towards businesses that are committed to sustainable practices, from renewable energy to eco-friendly technologies. “Developing financial models that incorporate environmental factors is an essential task for financial analysts. These models help businesses understand the financial implications of environmental risks and opportunities and they inform investment decisions that contribute to sustainable growth,” he noted.
Prof. Afoakwa urged them to leverage their expertise as financial and investment analysts to integrate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) in their decision making, support sustainable infrastructure development, promote green finance and impact, invest and engage with policy-makers.
Earlier, in his welcome address read on his behalf by the President of CIFIA, Ghana Council, Dr. Daniel Amayeye Anim-Prempeh, the Chief Executive Officer of CIFIA, Dr. Moses O. Agoro, noted that CIFIAG has established itself as a Pan-African leader, empowering finance professionals to drive economic growth through expert financial and investment advisory services.
According to him, over the past 14 years, CIFIA, Ghana has solidified its role as an organ of national development, emphasizing the importance of corporate governance, strategic risk management and evidence-based solutions for organizational sustainability. “Overachievement as an institution has been substantial and we owe this success to the unwavering trust and support of our members, council and partners,” he indicated.
Dr. Agoro implored the graduands to uphold the highest standards of integrity, serving as esteemed ambassadors of the institute and catalysts for transformative change in their respective fields. “This profession demands meticulous dedication, a thorough understanding of financial principles and unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability,” he said.
Giving his remarks at the event, the Registrar/Secretary of CIFIA, Ghana Council, Dr. Isaac Ntiamoah highlighted the strategic collaboration between the GCTU Business School and CIFIA, Ghana, stressing that this partnership presents a unique opportunity for students in the Department of Accounting, Finance and Banking to receive relevant exemptions, enabling them to seamlessly complete CIFIA, Ghana’s professional programmes. Upon completion, students will be qualified as financial investment analysts, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between both institutions.
The Dean of the GCTU Business School, Prof. George Ampong charged the graduands to be exemplary ambassadors of CIFIA, Ghana, striving for excellence and reaching great heights in their careers. He wished them a fruitful and fulfilling professional journey.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa was honoured with the Prestigious Educational Impact award for his remarkable contributions to academic excellence and institutional development. This award recognizes his visionary leadership and commitment to advancing education in Ghana.
