NRCC Commends Access Bank, Partners for Promoting Sustainability, Community Development

The Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC) has commended Access Bank Ghana PLC and its partners for extending the fourth phase of the “A Sandal More for a Better Tomorrow” initiative to communities in the region, describing it as a practical demonstration of private-sector support for education, environmental sustainability, and community development.

The initiative, organised by Access Bank Ghana in partnership with Rana Motors, Nana Tea, and Horseman Shoes, was launched on Wednesday at the Nyankpala DA Junior High School in the Tolon District.

The event brought together representatives from the NRCC, Tolon District Assembly, Ghana Education Service (GES), traditional authorities, teachers, parents, pupils, and media partners.

Speaking on behalf of the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Ali Adolf John, the Chief Director of the NRCC, Mr Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu, described the initiative as an exemplary government-private sector collaboration designed to address social and environmental challenges.

Mr Abudu noted that the region was delighted to host the fourth phase, which transforms waste vehicle tyres into durable footwear to protect the environment while supporting children who walk long distances to school.

He praised Access Bank, Rana Motors, and Horseman Shoes for combining commercial operations with social impact, encouraging other organisations to replicate the model.

He urged beneficiary communities to protect the footwear as symbols of shared partnership and assured organisers of the NRCC’s full cooperation.

For his part, the Executive Director for Retail and SME Banking at Access Bank (Ghana) Plc, Mr Eugene Ocansey, explained that the initiative addresses two challenges concurrently: removing financial barriers to school attendance and curbing the improper disposal or burning of used vehicle tyres.

Mr Ocansey revealed that over 31,000 pairs of sandals were distributed across the first three phases, alongside financial management training for local artisans involved in production.

For the fourth phase, 10,000 pairs of sandals and school bags will be distributed across northern Ghana for the first time.

He also expressed gratitude to Rana Motors for supplying raw tyre materials, Horseman Shoes for manufacturing, and the GES for guiding distribution to vulnerable pupils.

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Tolon, Mr Seidu Braimah, commended the organisers for a timely intervention that alleviates financial pressure on families while complementing local educational and sanitation efforts.

He called on Access Bank and other corporate bodies to deepen collaborations with the District Assembly to address wider development needs, including educational infrastructure and skills training.

As part of the launch, Access Bank unveiled the “A Sandal More” distribution van, which will transport items from Tamale and Yendi to Bolgatanga, Wa, and Damongo. The Chief Director subsequently declared the fourth phase officially launched across the region.

 Bala Ali & Salifu Yakubu Abdulai, ISD