Advans Ghana Savings & Loans Ltd has initiated an innovative and unique programme to support its clients in improving their resilience to climate change.

This herald from its drive to assess the effects of climate change on clients as well as strengthen the resilience of those identified as vulnerable through awareness and educational campaigns aimed at combating climate change and enhancing resilience among its clientele.

During an awareness event held at Odawna market in the Kwame Nkrumah Circle area in Accra in January 2024, Advans Ghana donated 15 pallets and 45 parasols to its clients deemed at risk of floods and extreme heat.

Olivier Bailly Bechet, the Chief Executive Officer, highlighted that the ambitious and innovative climate strategy launched by Advans Group, with Ghana as a pilot country aims at identifying the zones and sectors of clients who are more vulnerable, sensitising the clients, defining what small businesses and farmers would need to become more resilient to climate change and developing products and services to meet their evolving needs.

He further stated, “Advans Ghana takes a proactive step towards building resilience by providing tangible support to our clients through the distribution of pallets and parasols as a symbolic way to raise awareness on climate risk among our clients and the population and show our commitment to the well-being of our clients and the sustainability of their businesses.”

The Board Chairman, Ben Berko, on his part, outlined the four key pillars of the Advans Climate Strategy, which are internal impact and awareness among staff to make them ambassadors, assessment of the effects of climate change on clients and loan portfolios, strengthening the resilience of vulnerable clients through awareness and educational campaigns and adapting products and services to fortify client’s long-term resilience.

He further highlighted some significant achievements made following the implementation of the strategy stating.

“We have trained almost 60% of our 600 staff on climate change and targeting 100% in 2024, conducted a risk analysis to better understand what the main climate risks of our clients are facing and the locations and sectors that are most exposed to those risks. A flash flood awareness campaign has been launched for our clients in flood-prone areas in Kaneshie and Accra New Town, providing tips on how to protect their businesses against the impact of heavy rains.”

He emphasised that a carbon footprint assessment, risk assessment methodology and integration of climate risk considerations into all processes, procedures, reporting and tools, adaptation and development of products and services range to enhance the resilience of clients and pilot a climate-resilient or smart product on a large scale by end of 2024 are ongoing projects in relation to company’s climate strategy.

In conclusion, Advans Ghana's awareness action and donation of 15 pallets and 45 parasols to its high-risk clients represent a commendable step towards combating climate change and fostering resilience in vulnerable communities.

As climate-related challenges continue to intensify, such initiatives serve as a beacon of hope, showcasing how organizations can play a pivotal role in building a more sustainable and adaptive society.