As part of its ongoing 15^th Anniversary celebrations, Access Bank (Ghana) Plc aims to make an even greater impact on education, job creation, and environmental sustainability with the launch of phase two of its ambitious project, "A Sandal More for A Better Tomorrow."

Set to be launched on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, the initiative is a collaborative effort with Rana Motors and renowned local shoe manufacturers Horseman Shoes, aimed at providing deprived school children across the country with essential footwear.

Following the success of the first phase, which saw 1,000 sandals distributed to 10 schools across five regions, Access Bank (Ghana) Plc has committed to expanding the project significantly.

This second phase aims to deliver over 20,000 sandals to school children in need, ensuring they are equipped to attend school regularly.

The initiative, according to the Bank is not only about footwear but also about investing in the future of Ghana's youth, enhancing education, and contributing to a sustainable future.

Oluwaseun David-Akindele, the Head of Communication and Brand Management at Access Bank (Ghana) Plc, highlighted the multi-faceted objectives of the project during a recent media interview.

"Our goal is to drive education by keeping children in school, support climate action by aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 12, and create jobs while supporting local entrepreneurs," he said.

A standout feature of phase two is the introduction of "The Better Tomorrow Truck," provided by Rana Motors.

This mobile unit will traverse all 16 regions of Ghana, delivering sandals to schoolchildren in deprived communities.

Recognising the environmental impact of this initiative, Access Bank and its partners have committed to planting trees to offset the carbon emissions generated by the truck's journey, demonstrating the Bank’s dedication to sustainability alongside its social impact.

Reacting to why they decided to partner with Access Bank, Manish Puri, Zonal Manager at Rana Motors, said this initiative is a prime example of how corporate social responsibility can be leveraged to address multiple societal challenges simultaneously.

“We believe in it, the thought, and the objective behind it is something we align with. At Rana Motors we add value, it is like a culture to us. By partnering with Access Bank where we provide the used car tyres and other logistics, we are adding value.”

On his part, the CEO of Horseman Shoes, Tonyi Senayah, said “it has been an exciting partnership which has opened our eyes to so many opportunities.

"This partnership with Access Bank (Ghana) Plc has also provided jobs for about 500 shoemakers in Kumasi. We are grateful to Access Bank for the initiative and for agreeing to partner with us.”

Other partners of the ‘A Sandal More for a Better Tomorrow’ initiative are the Ghana Education Service, blogger Kobby Kyei, social media influencer Nana Tea, and Ghana’s Most Beautiful reigning Queen Selorm Magdalene Gafah. 

As the truck embarks on its journey across Ghana, Access Bank (Ghana) Plc, Rana Motors, and Horseman Shoes are not just delivering sandals, they are providing the tools for a better tomorrow.

Through this initiative, Access Bank (Ghana) Plc continues to lead by example, showing how businesses can play a pivotal role in driving positive change in education, job creation, and sustainability.

Access Bank Ghana has been recognized by various prestigious awards including Euromoney’s Best Bank for ESG for its outstanding sustainability practices and remains committed to impacting lives now and in the future.

Operating from more than 700 branches and service outlets in 22 countries in Africa and the rest of the world including the UAE, UK, Hong Kong, and France along with three representative offices in China, India, and Lebanon, the Bank actively invests in initiatives that promote environmental conservation, community development, and social well-being in areas of environment, health, education, and enterprise.