Access Bank Ghana PLC has launched the fourth phase of its “Sandal More for a Better Tomorrow” initiative at Nyankpala in the Northern Region.
The initiative, which forms part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility programme, seeks to remove practical barriers to school attendance while promoting environmental sustainability and supporting local artisans.
Under Phase Four, Access Bank plans to distribute 10,000 pairs of sandals and school bags to schoolchildren across Northern Ghana.
The sandals are produced from discarded vehicle tyres, helping to convert waste materials into durable footwear for children in underserved communities.
Speaking at the launch, Executive Director of Access Bank Ghana, Eugene Okansay, said the beneficiaries at Nyankpala are the future leaders, professionals and problem-solvers of Ghana.
He said the initiative is designed to create a triple impact by helping children attend school more easily, creating income opportunities for local artisans and reducing environmental pollution caused by the improper disposal and burning of used tyres.
More than 31,000 pairs of sandals have reportedly been distributed during the first three phases of the programme.
The initiative also provides participating artisans with financial management and financial inclusion training to strengthen their businesses.
Partners in the fourth phase include Rana Motors, Horseman Shoes and the Ghana Education Service.
A new Sandal More distribution van was also unveiled to facilitate the delivery of sandals and school bags to communities including Tamale, Yendi, Bole, Wa and Damongo.
Speaking on behalf of Horseman Shoes and more than 500 artisans involved in the project, Tinaya Senaya expressed gratitude to Access Bank Ghana for the opportunity to participate in the fourth phase.
He said the project has not only produced more than 31,000 pairs of sandals but has also created opportunities for artisans and strengthened local shoemaking skills.
Mr Senaya said the initiative demonstrates how discarded materials can be transformed into useful products while creating livelihoods for local artisans.
He encouraged the pupils to dream big and aspire to become professionals such as presidents, doctors and lawyers, while stressing that every honest vocation should be pursued with dignity and determination.
A representative of the Northern Regional Director of Education also expressed appreciation to Access Bank and its partners for supporting efforts to convert waste materials into useful products while providing sandals and school bags to schoolchildren.
He said some children face challenges attending school because they lack basic learning materials and other necessities.
He noted that the initiative would help address some of these challenges, particularly in communities in the Tolon District and Nyankpala, while the recycling of used tyres would also contribute to reducing environmental pollution.
Representing the Northern Regional Minister, Sumaila Abudu, another speaker commended Access Bank Ghana and its partners, including Rana Motors and Horseman Shoes, for bringing the initiative to Northern Ghana.
He said the programme addresses a practical challenge facing children in rural and underserved communities, where access to durable footwear can affect school attendance, health and dignity.
He described the partnership between the bank, vehicle distributor and footwear manufacturer as an example of how business objectives can be combined with social responsibility to deliver direct community benefits.
He encouraged beneficiaries to take good care of the sandals and regard them as a symbol of partnership and opportunity.
He also called on other public and private organisations to develop similar initiatives that combine environmental sustainability with tangible benefits for communities.
The Regional Minister’s representative pledged the cooperation of the Regional Coordinating Council to support the initiative and ensure the distribution reaches children who need the items most.
He subsequently declared Phase Four of the “Sandal More for a Better Tomorrow” initiative officially launched.
Source:Fiilafmonline/Walkiyatu Issahaku
