Access Bank Ghana’s ‘Sandal More’ Initiative Impacts 300+ Children, Transforms Visually Impaired Boy’s Life
ACCRA, Ghana - 15th October, 2025: Access Bank (Ghana) PLC, in its continued commitment to sustainable community development and social impact, has announced the successful expansion of its innovative 'A Sandal More for a Better Tomorrow' initiative. The project, which creatively upcycles used car tyres into durable footwear for underprivileged children, has now entered its third phase, reaching more communities across Ghana while creating lasting impact through comprehensive empowerment programs.
This initiative contributes to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)..In the third phase, the project will distribute 10,000 pairs of comfortable eco-friendly sandals made from upcycled car tyres to underprivileged school children across the country. Launched in 2023, ‘A Sandal More for a Better Tomorrow’ has so far achieved remarkable milestones, notable among them are 360 schools in all 16 Regions reached, over 31,000 sandals delivered to schoolchildren, and over 500 trees planted.
Additionally, over 110,000 schoolchildren have been educated on the importance of waste recycling, environmental sustainability, and the benefits of tree planting. This education empowers the next generation to become more environmentally conscious, ensuring that the principles of sustainability are passed down to future leaders who will continue to protect and nurture the environment.
Edward Nelson-Addy, Head of Communications at Access Bank (Ghana) PLC, emphasised the project's significance. "The Sandal More initiative perfectly embodies our commitment to sustainable development. We are not just providing sandals; we are creating opportunities, protecting the environment, and building stronger communities. Each pair of sandals represents our belief in a future where every child can walk confidently and in dignity towards their dreams."
A particularly inspiring outcome of the initiative has been the life-changing impact on Kwadzo, a visually impaired boy identified during the project's second phase. Through Access Bank's intervention and support, Kwadzo has been successfully enrolled in school for the first time in his life. Currently a student at at the Akropong School for the Blind, Kwadzo is thriving both academically and socially.
During the recent visit, the Bank team celebrated Kwadzo's birthday with special gifts, educational materials, and essential supplies, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to empowering lives now and in the future. His teachers report significant improvement in his confidence and academic performance, demonstrating the profound difference that targeted corporate social investment can make in individual lives.
Beyond footwear distribution, the ‘Sandal More’ initiative includes comprehensive community support programs. During the recent visit, the Bank provided a business grant to a local mother to expand her small enterprise, enabling her to better support her family and children to school and contribute to the local economy. 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. Building on the success of the first two phases, Access Bank plans to extend the ‘Sandal More’ Project to more communities across Ghana. The Bank is strengthening partnerships with local organisations, educational institutions, and environmental groups to enhance the initiative's reach and effectiveness.