GLICO Health launches ESG roadmap to drive sustainable growth

…deepens commitment to responsible healthcare financing

 By Buertey Francis BORYOR

GLICO Health Insurance Ltd, a subsidiary of GLICO Group, has launched its inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report as part of efforts to strengthen sustainable business practices, improve healthcare access and create long-term value for stakeholders.

Speaking at an ESG Blueprint Briefing in Accra, Group Chief Executive Officer of GLICO Group, Edward Forkuo Kyei, said sustainability had become a core part of the company’s strategy as it seeks to build a resilient institution capable of serving future generations.

He said businesses that intend to remain relevant over the long term must deliberately integrate sustainability into their operations, governance systems and stakeholder engagement.

Mr. Forkuo Kyei noted that the launch of the report marked the beginning of a broader ESG reporting journey across the GLICO Group, with other subsidiaries expected to publish their own sustainability reports in the coming months.

According to him, the initiative reflects the Group’s commitment to embedding environmental stewardship, social responsibility and sound governance into its operations while contributing to national development.

Additionally, he noted that transparency remains one of the key pillars of the company’s sustainability agenda, stressing that strong governance systems are necessary to build confidence among customers, regulators, investors and other stakeholders.

The Group CEO said the company has over the years invested in structures and policies designed to support long-term growth while ensuring that stakeholders continue to benefit from its operations. As part of its environmental efforts, he disclosed that it has made significant investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives, resulting in a reduction of about 60 percent in energy costs. “Our sustainability report indicates that approximately 60 percent of our operations are currently powered by solar energy,” he said.

He further noted that the company was among the early adopters of electric vehicles in the country, having introduced them into its operations as far back as 2021, and is exploring additional renewable energy options as part of efforts to reduce its environmental footprint.

Mr. Forkuo Kyei also highlighted internal measures aimed at reducing waste, including efforts to limit the use of single-use plastic bottles across the organisation. On the social front, he said technology was helping the company expand access to healthcare services while improving convenience for customers.

He noted that telemedicine services offered by GLICO Health were enabling clients to receive medical consultations remotely, reducing the need for physical visits and helping customers save both time and money.

Data contained in the ESG report showed that telemedicine consultations increased by 180 percent, reflecting growing acceptance of digital healthcare services. Mr. Forkuo Kyei said the company’s sustainability journey goes beyond environmental initiatives and focuses on creating positive outcomes for customers, employees, communities and other stakeholders.

He assured of that GLICO’s continued commitment to exploring innovative ways of improving efficiency while creating value for both society and the environment.

Meanwhile, Board Member and Chairperson of the ESG Sustainability Committee at GLICO Health Insurance Ltd, Phyllis Amartey, said sustainability had become a central pillar of the company’s long-term strategy rather than a corporate social responsibility exercise.

She explained that the company’s three-year strategic plan launched in 2025 was designed to align its operations with global best practices while embedding environmental, social and governance principles across the business.

According to her, the health insurer views ESG as a forward-looking framework that supports continuous improvement, innovation and long-term resilience.

Ms. Amartey noted that the social component of the company’s sustainability agenda places strong emphasis on people-centred healthcare, with investments in digital platforms, health education and inclusion programmes aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing risks.

She said initiatives such as sexual and reproductive health education, mentorship programmes, staff development and diversity and inclusion interventions form part of efforts to create value for clients, employees and communities.

On environmental sustainability, she said the company’s operations have been deliberately structured to reduce resource consumption and improve efficiency, adding that its energy-efficient headquarters generated more than 40,325 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy last year.

Ms. Amartey further stressed that strong governance and sustainable financing remain critical to the company’s long-term stability, noting that investments in technology and operational systems had helped GLICO Health secure triple ISO certification covering data security, quality management and operational resilience.

The briefing, held under the theme “Setting the ESG Standard”, brought together representatives from the health insurance industry, regulators, the media and other stakeholders.

The report demonstrates how responsible business practices can support healthcare access, strengthen stakeholder confidence, improve corporate resilience and contribute to sustainable national development- and was intended to provide a transparent account of the company’s sustainability performance, achievements and future goals while contributing to broader discussions on responsible business practices within the health insurance industry.

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