The African Bicycle Contribution Foundation (ABCF), a non-governmental organization (NGO) founded by African Americans has donated 85 bamboo bikes to some students in the Ningo-Prampram District, of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.
The bicycles were handed to the students on July 17, at the Achimota Golf Club in Accra.
According to Chairman of the ABCF, A. Bruce Crawley, the bicycles were manufactured in Kumasi by the CEO of Ghana Bamboo Bikes Initiative(GBBI), Madam Bernice Dapaah. He said a total of 500 bamboo bikes have been distributed by the ABCF in Ghana since 2016.
According to ABCF Executive Director Patricia Marshall Harris, the foundation believes that access to bicycles in rural Ghana can play a significant role in reducing dropout rates and preparing students for successful future careers.
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She added that a World Bike Relief study has cited attendance rate increases from 65 per cent to 90 per cent for African students, once they have received access to bicycles, for their daily commute. In addition, their school absences were decreased by 27 per cent, and their overall commute time was reduced by one-third, with a 66 per cent increase in punctuality.
The Deputy Regional Minister of the Greater Accra Region, Hon. Elizabeth K. T. Sackey who was the chairman of the occasion expressed gratitude to the ABCF for coming to aid of the students by supporting the government’s efforts to improve enrolment.
Since late 2016, the ABCF has distributed its bamboo bicycles in 13 rural locations across Ghana, including in Brong Ahafo, Kumbungu, Sunyani West, Kagara, Koforidua, Nabdam, Ejisu, Kumasi, Accra, Dormaa, Amasu and Drobonso.
