The Association of African Sustainability Practitioners (AASuP) has officially sworn in a 12-member National Executive Council, tasked with leading sustainability efforts in Ghana and contributing to Africa’s broader environmental and developmental goals. This leadership team will oversee strategic initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable practices across industries and fostering collaboration to drive meaningful climate action.
At the inauguration ceremony held on March 14, 2025, at Accra Technical University, Cedric Dzelu, speaking on behalf of the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, highlighted the critical role of sustainability in Ghana’s future. He emphasized that AASuP must take a leading role in advancing climate action and ensuring that sustainability remains a core consideration across all professional sectors.
Dzelu also underscored the need for innovation in sustainability, urging technical universities to act as hubs for research and development in green technology. He noted that sustainable development is a long-term commitment that requires continuous dedication and collaboration among stakeholders. He assured AASuP members of his support, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in achieving Ghana’s sustainability objectives.
President of the newly formed council, Humphrey Tetteh, reiterated the significance of proactive leadership in implementing sustainability initiatives. He called on members to take decisive steps in ensuring that institutions across the country adopt and integrate sustainability programs. Tetteh stressed that AASuP’s impact should extend beyond Ghana, contributing to sustainability progress across Africa.
“Our role is crucial in shaping Ghana’s sustainability landscape, but we must also think beyond borders. I hope that within the next two years, AASuP will be recognized as a leader in setting the pace for sustainable change across the continent,” Tetteh remarked.
New AASuP Executive Council MembersThe newly sworn-in executive council consists of experienced professionals from diverse sectors, each bringing unique expertise to drive sustainability initiatives forward. The members include:
- Kojo Kwakye Gyan – Head of Risk and Sustainability Management, Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund
- Engineer Kweku Wiafe – Director of Engineering, Volta River Authority
Mohammed Nasiru – Energy and Infrastructure Advisor, Embassy of Korea - Ruth Abanga – Corporate Social Responsibility/Sustainability Officer, GRIDCo
Mercedes Maud Naadei Ashey – Head of Internal Audit, Minerals and Income Investment Fund - Samuel Ekow Acquah – Manager of Strategy, Risk, and Compliance, GRIDCo
- Rev. Stephen Agyei – Director of Contract Management, Qatar Foundation in Doha
- Kingsley Owusu Anum – Head of Sustainability, Agricultural Development Bank
- Afua A. Baidoo – Senior Environmental and Social Risk Coordinator, Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund
- Cedric Dzelu – Ministry of Climate Change and Sustainability
- Humphrey Tetteh – President of AASuP
The new leadership is expected to spearhead sustainability initiatives that align with national and continental goals. Their primary focus areas include:
-Promoting Climate Action Policies: The council will work closely with policymakers to ensure that sustainability is integrated into national policies and regulatory frameworks.
-Driving Cross-Sector Collaboration: By fostering partnerships between public and private sectors, AASuP aims to create synergies that accelerate sustainable development initiatives.
-Enhancing Sustainability Education: The council plans to support educational institutions in incorporating sustainability into their curricula, equipping future professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills.
-Encouraging Green Innovation: AASuP will advocate for increased investment in research and development to drive technological advancements in sustainability.
-Advancing Renewable Energy Adoption: The council will push for broader adoption of renewable energy solutions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote cleaner energy alternatives.
Ghana, like many African nations, faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, pollution, and climate change-induced weather extremes. Addressing these issues requires strong leadership and coordinated efforts from various stakeholders. AASuP’s new council is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping policies and practices that contribute to Ghana’s sustainability transition while setting a precedent for other African countries to follow.
With Africa’s increasing recognition on the global sustainability stage, Ghana is poised to become a key player in shaping the continent’s environmental policies. The work of AASuP’s executive council will be instrumental in positioning Ghana as a leader in sustainable development. Through strategic planning, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, the council aims to drive measurable impact in key areas such as renewable energy, circular economy practices, and climate resilience.
The newly appointed council members bring a wealth of expertise that will be invaluable in advancing AASuP’s mission. By leveraging their diverse backgrounds, the council is well-positioned to foster a holistic approach to sustainability that integrates economic, social, and environmental considerations.
