
UGBS Accounting Students Association Host Seminar on Accounting and ESG Practices
On 22nd January 2025, the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) Accounting Students Association (ASA), in partnership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana (ICAG) and Makers and Partners Chartered Accountants, have organized a seminar on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices for a sustainable future at the R. S. Amegashie Auditorium.
In a panel discussion moderated by Miss Gifty Owusu, ESG and Climate Analyst at Makers and Partners Chartered Accountants, panelists discussed opportunities for accounting students and professionals in sustainability. Mr. Michael Ampeh Boateng, Chemical Engineer and Managing Consultant of Blue Alliance encouraged the audience to see opportunities within challenges. Mr. Boateng noted that the impact of climate change can present valuable opportunities. He emphasised that sustainability applies to all sectors, regardless of academic background.
Mr. Boateng urged students to take personal responsibility for learning skills in carbon accounting, auditing, verification, and validation to take advantage of the carbon credit market. He mentioned that adopting ESG practices would benefit Ghana significantly by promoting efficiency and sustainability. Mr. Boateng also pointed out that in years to come a company’s success will depend on how well it incorporates ESG practices.
Mr. Nathaniel Adjin-Tettey, Senior Manager, KPMG noted that accountants' roles go beyond financial reporting to include assessments and communication of non-financial measures to understand the broader impact of an organization on the environment. He challenged faculty leaders to fully integrate ESG into their curricula and encouraged students to stay open-minded and embrace learning opportunities and new technologies.
Prof. William Coffie, Head of the Accounting Department shared that UGBS has incorporated ESG-related courses in the accounting curricula including Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS). He added that academia must be intentional about integrating sustainability reporting frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Sustainability Accounting Standard Board (SASB). Prof. Coffie revealed that students should expect exposure to how sustainability intersects with financial measurement, beyond traditional accounting practices to enhance their learning. He suggested research areas such as compliance with CSR disclosures, the impact of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption, challenges of ESG in developing countries, the role of Artificial Intelligence and big data in ESG analysis, and how ESG affects firm valuations and regulations.
Mr. Kofi Oduro-Boateng, Chartered Accountant, encouraged students to obtain ESG certifications alongside their basic accounting qualifications. He stated that accountants with expertise in carbon accounting are in high demand. Mr. Oduro-Boateng added that there is a need for accounting professionals to upskill to help organisations adapt their strategies to include ESG. Mr. Oduro-Boateng further noted that accountants can find opportunities in reporting, validation, assurance, strategy development, and governance in the carbon credit market.
