Access Bank Ghana has launched its annual initiative to provide 20,000 sandals to schoolchildren across the country.

Dubbed "A Sandal More for a Better Tomorrow", the initiative focuses on recycling old vehicle tyres into school sandals for underprivileged children.

The bold and innovative initiative contributes to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG Four (Quality Education), and SDG One (No Poverty). 

Truck

By turning waste into high-quality footwear, the project not only helps children attend school comfortably but also promotes sustainable practices and reduces environmental waste.

The second phase of the project is the "Better Tomorrow Truck", which will distribute sandals across all 16 regions.

The truck will visit selected schools identified by the Ghana Education Service (GES) and through social media engagement, ensuring that the initiative reaches those in need.

Furthermore, to offset the truck's emissions, Access Bank and its partners have committed to planting trees in every region to demonstrate the project’s dedication to environmental sustainability.

Launch

At the launch of this year’s initiative at the Kroma Cluster of Schools in Nungua, near Accra, last Tuesday were key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, GES, Rana Motors and Horseman Shoes which has been engaged to produce the sandals.

The Technical Director in charge of Forestry at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Joseph Osiakwan, commended the initiative on behalf of the sector minister, Samuel A. Jinapor, and emphasised that the project aligned with the government's climate change efforts and broader environmental sustainability goals.

"Today, this initiative by Access Bank is an example of the shared responsibility we all bear in addressing the climate crisis," he stated, adding: "This indeed will augment government efforts to fight climate change."

The initiative has also created jobs for over 500 shoemakers in the Ashanti Region, who are responsible for producing the sandals. This has provided an economic boost to local artisans while addressing the footwear needs of schoolchildren nationwide.

At the launch, Access Bank’s Country Operating Officer, Ugochi Okoro, highlighted the broader social impact of the project.

"Our ‘A Sandal More for a Better Tomorrow’ initiative goes beyond providing footwear. It’s about creating opportunities uplifting communities, and protecting our environment," she said.

Ms Okoro also underscored the initiative’s alignment with several SDGs, including SDG Eight, which centres on Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 13, which is on Climate Action, and SDG 17, which urges partnerships, especially from the private sector, for the attainment of the goals.

The Chief Operating Officer of Rana Motors, Kassem Odaymat, expressed his company's commitment to support the initiative by providing 4,000 used tyres for sandal production.

He stated that the partnership was part of Rana Motors' broader efforts to support environmental sustainability and community welfare. Similarly, Kabutey Ocansey of Horseman Shoes lauded the collaboration, emphasising the importance of local craftsmanship in the project.

He expressed the hope that the initiative would expand to benefit more regions in the country and possibly other African countries. A unique aspect of the project is Access Bank’s commitment to recording the dreams of the children receiving the sandals.

The bank said it would document the children's aspirations, and some of the most promising students would be selected for sponsorship, allowing them to achieve their educational and career goals.

The Head of Corporate Communications and Brand Management at Access Bank Ghana, Oluwaseun David-Akindele, said the initiative was an investment in the future.

“We are not just giving these children sandals; we are investing in their futures," he said.

"This initiative is about more than immediate impact; it’s about building a sustainable future for every child involved," Mr David-Akindele added.