Traditional leaders and officials unveiling the CSI Dialogue and Exhibition
The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has called on all companies operating in the region to re-examine their Corporate Social Investment (CSI) frameworks to leave lasting impacts in their various host communities.
He also urged them to design Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) packages that are transformational and not just transactional.
He said “CSR should aim at creating generational wealth, particularly by empowering local communities with the tools, skills, and opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods”.
The Regional Minister said this at the official unveiling of the maiden CSI Dialogue and Exhibition (CSIDE) event scheduled to take place in the region in November this year.
It was organised by the Western Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in partnership with the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC).
It was on the theme, “CSI as a Catalyst for Equitable Regional Development: Building Trust, Infrastructure, and Prosperity”
The CSIDE will showcase CSI projects and Social Contracting sessions, culminating in a CSI Impact Awards.
Prior to the awards event, there will be CSI Impact Nomination Portal which companies will use to submit details and evidence of their CSI projects for award consideration.
The Minister stressed that the idea of CSI has evolved significantly in recent years.
“Today, CSI is not only about ‘giving back,’ but about investing in the environments, people, and systems that allow businesses and societies to thrive together,” he said.
Mr. Nelson outlined the region’s key development priorities where transformational CSI is urgently needed as expanding access to quality STEM and TVET education, improving health outcomes and enhancing rural and urban road connectivity among others.
He praised the Regional GJA for the strategic partnership and said the initiative is yet another example of how the media can serve as a bridge between government, business, and communities.
The Western Regional Chairman of GJA, Desmond Cudjoe, indicated that the region’s prosperity hinges on collaboration and added that CSI initiatives are already driving change.
Paramount Chief and President of the Gwira Traditional Area, Awulae Angama Tu-Agyan II, called on companies to engage Nananom to ensure that no community is left behind in their CSI initiatives.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi