<<Print>>

The Centre for Corporate Responsibility (CCR) has held its second Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Stakeholder meeting in Accra under the theme ��A conversation on Responsible Business in Ghana��. Dr. Daniel Ofori, Coordinator of CCR, emphasised that the workshop fell in line with CCR�s aim of mainstreaming Corporate Responsibility in Ghana and creating a new generation of business leaders who are knowledgeable about, and committed to, corporate social responsibility by inspiring current and future Ghanaian managers with the passion for responsible corporate leadership. Dr. Ofori noted that Corporate Social Responsibility encompasses not only Corporate Philanthropy but, more importantly, the need for organisations to do things over and beyond what is expected of them by law � particularly in considering factors such as the environment, social and community issues, workplace practices, marketplace issues and ethical governance. He noted that most businesses tend to overlook these elements. Consequently, the CCR has come in the nick of time to help address some of these shortfalls. The CCR will execute its mandate through the delivery of three key services � knowledge generation, knowledge dissemination, and knowledge application. These key activities will be achieved through the development of CSR courses and modules, CSR tools for implementation, evaluation and reporting; partnerships with stakeholders to create CSR awareness; CSR research and surveys; and capacity-building through seminars, short courses and advisory services for people who are interested in doing Responsible business and being socially responsible in their activities. Facilitators present at the workshop included Mr. Bob Palitz, Telecoms Consultant and former MD Kasapa Limited; Ms. Bernice Natue, Unilever Ghana Limited; Dr. Toni Aubynn, Ghana Chamber of Mines; Dr. Ayesha Hakeem, African Connection Ghana Limited; and Mr. Asokwa Nkansah, SIC Insurance Company Limited. Dr. Ofori reiterated that the CCR is well-placed to offer a full bouquet of advocacy, training and advisory services in CSR that will enhance organisations� ability to do the right thing � cautioning that businesses will soon be required to be socially responsible. Hence, it would be in their best interests to position themselves so as to be ready to deliver The CCR was established by the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) in collaboration with the Centre for Cooperation with the Private Sector (CCPS), GIZ South Africa. The centre is active in the following thematic areas: Streamlining Corporate Responsibility into Business Operations, and Business and Human Rights.