By: Dennis Ato Keelson
Harley Reed, a renowned international professional services firm, has organised an intensive capacity-building training on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability for editors and senior journalists from various media houses in Accra. The one-day workshop, held on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the firm’s head office in Adabraka, brought together about twenty journalists to deepen their understanding of ESG issues and strengthen their ability to communicate them effectively to the public.
The training formed part of efforts to prepare the media ahead of Ghana’s planned transition to mandatory ESG reporting by 2027. It aimed at equipping journalists with the skills needed to drive informed public engagement, promote accountability, and support companies in their sustainability journey. Facilitators emphasised the media’s significant influence in shaping national conversations around environmental protection, social responsibility and governance transparency.
Addressing journalists after her presentation, the General Manager of Advisory Services at Harley Reed and ESG expert, Cima Sholotan, noted that the media plays a crucial role in advocacy and in raising awareness on issues that matter to different stakeholders. She stressed the importance of journalists enhancing their own understanding of ESG in order to help organisations move beyond awareness into concrete action. “The media’s involvement will push organisations to take the steps they should be taking at this stage. So, at this point, advocacy and awareness creation are essential,” she said.
Madam Sholotan further highlighted the implications of upcoming International Financial Reporting Standards, particularly IFRS S1 and S2, which are expected to become mandatory in Ghana within the next few years. She explained that companies must begin preparing early, as the standards will require improved transparency, accessible public information and reliable data for investors. She encouraged small and medium enterprises to join the journey, reminding them that they too will be part of the compliance ecosystem and must begin building awareness as soon as possible.
In his welcome address, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Harley Reed, William Tagoe, underscored the importance of ESG as a driver of business performance and national development. He called on companies to move beyond box-ticking and meaningfully integrate ESG into their operational frameworks. According to him, materiality assessments must be conducted transparently while engaging key stakeholders, including the media. He cautioned companies against greenwashing and advised them to ensure accuracy, honesty and strong data support in their reporting. He emphasised that journalists have a key responsibility in holding companies accountable for their ESG claims.
The Country Director of Harley Reed Ghana, Edith Uyovbukerhi, explained that the organisation operates across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire, with a mission to support businesses in finding effective solutions and driving transformation. She revealed that the training was introduced after journalists who participated in earlier forums requested deeper knowledge on ESG, noting that the concept is often misunderstood or confused with CSR. She added that the workshop is part of a broader, ongoing engagement Harley Reed intends to offer media professionals to strengthen national awareness and reporting standards.
Harley Reed, headquartered in the UK and with over 34 years of experience, continues to grow its pan-African presence with core offerings in Advisory, Knowledge and Assurance Services. The firm remains committed to providing tailored solutions that address the unique needs of businesses across the continent.
Learn more at: www.harleyreed.com
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