“In the contemporary landscape of business, the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved beyond a mere philanthropic endeavour into a strategic imperative with profound implications for nation-building. Corporate entities, as pillars of economic strength, have a responsibility that extends beyond profit margins – a responsibility to actively contribute to the well-being and progress of the societies in which they operate.”
These were the remarks made by Georgette Quarmyne, the Corporate Communications Manager (CCM) of Engen Ghana Limited (EGL), during a brief interview after she accepted an award for EGL in December 2023 at the Kempinkski Hotel Gold Coast City .
According to Georgette, she stepped into the role of CCM with a vision to make EGL’s philanthropic initiatives an integral part of the company’s identity. A feat that she successfully saw through with the induction of Engen Ghana Limited into the prestigious Ghana Club 100 and it being the recipient of the of the ‘Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility – Downstream 2023’ at the Ghana Oil and Gas Awards.
An ardent believer in the mantra that being a good corporate citizen is good for business, she has sought to weave the spirit of CSR into the fabric of Engen Ghana Limited, giving the company its most impactful year since it began operations in Ghana.
The call to service
An alumna of Holy Child School, Cape Coast, who has been largely influenced by the motto of one of the most reputable female schools in Ghana, ‘Facta Non Verba’ which translates to ‘Action Not Words’, she believes that the time is ripe for responsible citizens – both individual and corporate – to go beyond the chatter and actively assist government in nation building through their CSR initiatives, as the well-being of our communities must be a shared concern if we are to progress as a people.
From her early years at Ridge Church School in Accra, where she had her basic education, she was taught the importance of service to our nation and to one another. With a call to service ingrained in her work ethic, she has over the years found this call to be the catalyst that has catapulted many societies and nations to greatness and as such, is passionate about inculcating the importance of selfless service to others and to the community wherever she finds herself.
Aligning business goals with societal needs
What struck me during our interview was the singlemindedness with which she talked about the role CSR plays in nation building and why she believes that impactful CSR initiatives could potentially be the game-changer to alleviating poverty levels in Ghana.
Georgette’s ties to the UK and Canada have largely shaped her worldview when it comes to CSR, as she recounted how individual and corporate citizens continue to build sustainable business ecosystems by addressing societal challenges through CSR in both countries. The by-product being the creation of a skilled workforce when corporate entities invest in educational institutions, vocational training and research funding, which are essentials for innovation and national progress.
Enhancing reputation and economic growth
In an era where consumers are increasingly conscious of corporate behaviour, impactful and well thought out CSR initiatives have the potential to build trust and loyalty. A volunteer at heart, Georgette believes that the success of the companies that she has worked with, both home and abroad, have been partly due to the conscious effort made by these companies to impact their communities positively. As such, one of the most important elements she considers before joining a company is their CSR footprint.
She is intentional about only working for companies that give back to their communities in a meaningful way. In 2023, EGL was privileged to partner with the Ghana Dreams Disability Development Foundation (GDDDF) to drive the latter’s mission to provide jobs for the less abled with their Agyinkwa Ghana Beverages. CSR initiatives like these, according to Georgette, have the potential to turn the fortunes of our less-abled brothers and sisters around; hence, EGL’s willingness to partner with foundations that seek to make a positive impact in our society.
Strategic community partnerships
Georgette also spoke about the importance of collaboration in this area. She recounted how the road to EGL’s impactful CSR was paved with strategic community partnerships with organisations such as Sinel Hospital, Tema and Embrace Society, for its 2023 breast cancer awareness campaign.
Not only did EGL take its CSR game a notch higher in 2023 with its existing partnerships with the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation (OIF), Operation Smile Ghana and Coliba Ghana, the other strategic collaborations that were orchestrated by Georgette, sought to align the company’s CSR interests with the welfare of the communities it served.
Honouring CSR in economically challenging times
When asked if she had any advice for companies that are struggling financially in these times but desire to make a difference in their communities, Georgette was of the assertion that “Every Little Helps. At the helm of EGL’s CSR success story is a vision that extends beyond profit margins to encompass a holistic approach to corporate responsibility.
Every company cannot build a state-of-the-art STEM facility, but there are several low budget initiatives that companies can embark on without hurting the bottom line that will bridge the gap between privileged and marginalised populations. CSR is a catalyst for nation-building as it addresses social, economic and environmental challenges; and must be encouraged as it contributes immensely to the well-being of a nation and its citizens.”
Georgette Quarmyne
With a deep understanding of the communications landscape, Georgette Quarmyne is a results-driven leader who has a passion for driving business success through effective communication strategies. She is an ardent advocate for championing and instituting transformational environmental sustainability governance practices that positively impact communities that businesses operate in.
After completing her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Ghana, she started her professional career as a Ticket Office Manager at Afriqiyah Airways, London Gatwick, where she was responsible for managing the daily operations of the London hub.
Georgette has spent years honing her craft in Retail and Corporate Banking, both home and abroad. First with Zenith Bank Ghana Limited and subsequently with the Royal Bank of Canada and ATB Corporate Financial Services. Prior to her joining the team at Engen Ghana, she was the Head of General Manufacturing, Corporate Banking at First Atlantic Bank Ghana Limited.
She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Communications and Technology from the University of Alberta, Canada and a Petroleum Joint Venture Analyst certification from Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta.
The post Nation-building and role of Corporate Social Responsibility appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.
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