CSR Has Come to Stay, Organisations Need to Be More Economic, Efficient and Productive - Prof. Dan Ofori
CSR Has Come to Stay, Organisations Need to Be More Economic, Efficient and Productive - Prof. Dan Ofori
Professor Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Provost of the College of Humanities, has delivered his inaugural lecture on the topic, “Of Indomie, Kalypo and Condoms: An Intimate Conversation about Corporate Social Responsibility in Ghana” at the Great Hall.
Explaining his topic, which had generated interest and curiosity, Prof. Ofori, mentioned three distinctive approaches to CSR, which he termed the “Indomie,” “Kalyppo” and “Condom” approaches.
“The Indomie approach represents instances where CSR initiatives occur spontaneously or as isolated activities”, Prof. Ofori clarified. He emphasised that these efforts are typically unplanned and arise more from opportunistic events rather than structured programmes.
In contrast, he referred to the “Kalyppo approach” as instances where organisations engage in multiple planned CSR events or focus on a single, well-planned event each year. “This approach indicates a more organised effort, where companies deliberately design and execute their CSR activities” he noted.
Commenting on the “Condom approach”, the Management Professor stated that this approach helps organisations to commit to life saving initiatives for employees and communities.
Prof. Frimpong Ofori strongly advocated for government to accelerate the implementation of the Ghana National CSR Policy (GNCSRP). According to him, the GNCSRP will encourage responsible behaviour from business entities, encourage Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within key social issues and ensure accurate reporting of responsible corporate behaviour in addition to measurement of the impact of organisational CSR.
Prof. Ofori detailed the need for the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) to take a leading role as the management agency for CSR. “MOTI should house the CSR Secretariat and spearhead periodic policy reviews to ensure that CSR activities are aligned with national development goals”, he stated.
Prof. Ofori proposed a National CSR Steering Committee to endorse policy reviews and provide strategic direction. He emphasised that the National CSR Secretariat should develop strategies, promote activities and manage service provision, monitoring and evaluation. He also highlighted the need for a robust communication strategy to raise awareness and disseminate knowledge through various media. This approach, he believes, will guide organisations to be strategic, responsible and accountable in their CSR activities.
Highlighting the permanence of CSR in contemporary business models, Prof. Ofori, explained the evolving nature of CSR and its critical role in modern business practices. His recommendations aim to guide organisations to be strategic, responsible and accountable in their CSR activities, ultimately contributing to sustainable development in Ghana.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, who chaired the lecture, praised Prof. Ofori for his significant contributions to the field of CSR. “Prof. Ofori has provided us with a deeper understanding of CSR from an African perspective and its implications for practice and policy”, she remarked. Prof. Amfo also congratulated Prof. Ofori on behalf of the University community and wished him continued success in his endeavours.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Registrar of the University, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, said inaugural lectures represent an essential component of the University’s public events, adding that the lectures help to create a wider awareness of the latest developments in the academic disciplines of the University. She noted that every academic who achieves the highest rank in his or her career in the University of Ghana, is expected to deliver an inaugural lecture, which she said offers the University an opportunity to recognize and showcase the academic achievements of its staff, as well as enable the Professor celebrate an important personal milestone with family, friends and colleagues within and outside the University about their research works.
The lecture was attended by distinguished personalities including Justice Prof. Henrietta Mensah-Bonsu, Supreme Court Judge and former Director of Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD);Justice Prof. Olivia Anku-Tsede, Appeals Court Judge and former Legal Counsel of the University; Prof. Bill Buenar Puplampu, Vice-Chancellor of Central University and former faculty of UGBS; Prof. Kwamena Quansah-Aidoo, former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) and Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo, Registrar, Ghana Communication Technology University and former College Secretary of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences.
The rest were Nana Kwesi Dwamena Anim II, the Krontihene of Obomeng Traditional Council; Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Petroleum Authority; Dr. Opoku-Ware Ampomah, CEO of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital; Rev. Dr. Daniel Ogbarmey Tetteh, Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission; representatives from the diplomatic corps, GIZ, collaborators, students, faculty, family and friends of Prof. Ofori.
Also in attendance were the Pro-Vice-Chancellors, Provosts, Deans, Directors, members of the University community and the public.
Presentations were made to Prof. Ofori from academic units of the University, corporate bodies and family members. The Ghana Dance Ensemble also graced the occasion with exciting cultural performances as well as seperewa appellation to herald the lecturer.
Prior to Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori’s inaugural lecture, a week-long exhibition of his works was held at the Balme Library. The exhibition centred on his research on the following: Project Management, HR Management, CSR, Strategic Management and General Management; among several other publications.