CSR asked to give consumers value for money

Accra, Oct. 27, GNA - Organisations incorporating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into their mode of operation have been challenged to redefine the concept to and give consumers value for money.

"People must get value for their money, people should not be denied basic services and quality products in exchange for building a classroom block for a rural community," Mr Bernard Avle, Operations Manager, Citi FM, an Accra-based radio station said. He was speaking on the theme: 93Corporate Social Responsibility, A must for Sustainable National Development," at this year's Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Week celebration and Annual General Meeting in Accra.

Mr Avle noted that organisations and businesses must develop models which fit the citizenry, saying in the current state, some businesses do not give their customers the basic qualities and services that they require.

He urged journalists to ask basic questions about organisation's corporate social responsibility and help to ensure that the average consumer gets the required value for monies spent.

Vice President John Dramani Mahama in a statement read on his behalf, noted that CSR has been adopted as a benchmark for corporate institutions in assessing their contributions towards the development of communities in which they work.

He said government would set clear public policy objectives which would encourage CSR activities in the country. "Public Relations is a very essential management function for success and therefore communications should be properly placed in organisations for the most efficient performances at all times," Vice President Mahama said.

A statement read on behalf of Dr George Dawson Amoah, Strategy and Corporate Communications Director of GHACEM, a cement producing company, said as a corporate social responsible firm it would proactively promote the public interest by encouraging community growth and more importantly national development by voluntarily avoiding practices that would harm the environment.

Mr Alhassan Andani, Managing Director of Stanbic Bank, encouraged the formation of consumer watch groups in organisations and communities alike to ensure that consumers received quality and value for their money.

"Providing quality and efficient services come first," he added. Major Albert Don-Chebe (Rtd), President of Institute of Public Relations, announced the 40th Anniversary celebration of IPR next year and said it would be celebrated in a manner that would enhance the corporate profile of the body and situate it effectively in the mainstream of key professional institutes in Ghana.