In a bold demonstration of corporate commitment to social impact, Access Bank PLC has pledged to donate one million sanitary pads to support the Government of Ghana’s nationwide sanitary pad distribution programme aimed at ending period poverty among schoolgirls.
The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by the Group Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank PLC, Chizoma Okoli, to the Vice President of the Republic, Her Excellency Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
The engagement was held under the umbrella of the Access Women’s Network (AWN), reinforcing the bank’s growing partnerships in the areas of female empowerment, health, and education.
“Access Bank stands firmly with the government’s vision to ensure that no girl is left behind because of period poverty. We are pleased to announce our pledge to distribute one million sanitary pads across Ghana to help keep girls in school, protect their dignity, and support their dreams,” said Chizoma Okoli.
The donation aligns with the bank’s long-standing commitment to gender-focused interventions through its flagship ‘W’ Initiative, which marks its 10th anniversary this year.
In 2024 alone, the bank reached over 100,000 girls in 19 districts across five regions with menstrual hygiene education and sanitary pad distribution.
Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang commended the bank’s effort, describing the pledge as a significant contribution to the national fight against period poverty.
“This pledge is a testament to what is possible when the private sector joins forces with government to tackle real issues affecting our young girls. I commend Access Bank for setting an inspiring example,” she said.
Pearl Nkrumah, Executive Director for Retail and Digital Banking at Access Bank Ghana, emphasized the bank’s broader vision of social transformation.
“We believe sustainable development starts with empowering women and girls. Beyond banking, Access Bank is committed to solving real-world challenges that hold our communities back,” she stated.
During the meeting, the Group Deputy MD also highlighted other ongoing social impact projects including the ‘Fist Against Fistula’ campaign and the award-winning ‘A Sandal More for a Better Tomorrow’ initiative, which repurposes used vehicle tyres into sandals for underprivileged schoolchildren.
Access Bank operates across 23 countries with over 700 branches and service outlets globally, including representation in the UAE, UK, France, China, India, and Lebanon. The bank’s new pledge reinforces its global reputation for corporate citizenship and its leadership in supporting inclusive development across the continent.