BY Daniel Bampoe
Former MASLOC Chief Executive Officer Madam Alberta Afia Akoto, through her foundation, has responded to an appeal for support for pupils of Asibirim D/A Basic School in the Eastern Region, donating an additional 200 pairs of sandals to children who needed footwear to attend school comfortably.
The donation follows a public appeal by philanthropist and social commentator Nana Tea, whose post highlighted the footwear needs of pupils at the school and drew attention to an initiative by Access Bank Ghana Plc under its “Sandals More for a Better Tomorrow” project.
According to the account, after Nana Tea shared information about the Access Bank initiative at Asibirim D/A Basic School, Madam Afia Akoto reached out and offered additional support to ensure that more pupils benefited.
The gesture has subsequently brought the total attention to the footwear needs of children who, according to the foundation, sometimes have to make the journey to school barefoot.
HORECE Steps In With 200 Pairs
The additional 200 pairs of sandals were donated through Hope Renewal Centre (HORECE), a non-governmental organisation founded by Madam Afia Akoto and focused on supporting vulnerable people, including children.
The donation was presented to the school by Ms Helena Asamoah on behalf of the founder.
The initiative was intended to provide footwear to pupils who need such basic support and help them attend school under more comfortable and dignified conditions.
For the beneficiaries, the donation goes beyond the value of a pair of sandals. It addresses one of the everyday challenges that can affect children’s ability to attend school confidently and participate fully in school activities.
The Headmaster of Asibirim D/A Basic School, Enoch Arthur, together with members of staff and the pupils, expressed appreciation to HORECE for the intervention.
Young Beneficiary Thanks Donors
The pupils also used the occasion to express their gratitude to the foundation.
On behalf of the children, Fiduas Mohammed, a KG 2 pupil, thanked the donors and offered praises and blessings for their gesture.
While major investments in classrooms, furniture and teaching resources remain essential to improving education, access to basic items such as footwear can also make a difference in the daily school experience of vulnerable pupils.
Afia Akoto’s Philanthropic Background
The donation forms part of Madam Afia Akoto’s broader philanthropic activities through HORECE.
The organisation has been positioned as a platform for providing care, relief and empowerment to underprivileged people.
Its activities have included support for vulnerable groups, including widows and elderly women, as well as assistance aimed at improving the welfare of children and families.
Madam Afia Akoto has also been associated with the AAN Humanitarian Foundation, another platform through which she has been involved in charitable initiatives focusing on poverty alleviation, healthcare support and educational assistance, particularly for vulnerable and rural communities.
Her public service background includes her role as a former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), while she has also been active in Ghanaian politics and entrepreneurship.
The foundation maintains that support does not necessarily have to involve major financial commitments before it can make a difference in a child’s life.
