Fidelity Bank was a leading supporter of The Ghana Grand, a historic fundraising bicycle tour and personal initiative of Mr. Iain Walker, The British High Commissioner to Ghana.
The 1,000km cycle commenced in Tumu in the Sissala East Municipality and concluded at the Independence Square in Accra on Sunday 18th August. The initiative was an inspired effort with two goals: Primarily, it aimed to present a positive vision of Ghana, while concurrently enabling important conversations on health, tourism and climate change.
Secondly, it sought to raise much-needed funds for the Plastic Surgery & Burns Unit (PBSU) at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. As an institution that bought into this vision, Fidelity Bank made a financial pledge towards the fundraiser.
“The Ghana Grand was inspired by the genuine desire to effect positive change which we share at Fidelity Bank. Mr. Walker’s initiative is indicative of how each of us can make a difference as individuals but can band together to have an even greater impact.
Our support of the Ghana Grand is in alignment with Fidelity Bank’s mission to make a meaningful difference and leave a lasting, positive impact on the Ghanaian society,” shared Mr. Julian Opuni, the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank.
Mr. Walker’s Ghana Grand initiative afforded him an opportunity to visit and interact with local community members, promote tourism and healthy lifestyles as well as highlight challenges many of the communities on the route are facing. The cycling journey also celebrated the beauty and vibrancy of Ghanaian people, culture and landscape.
“It was thrilling to witness Mr. Walker’s cycling journey from the North to the South of Ghana with the Fidelity Bank logo emblazoned on his orange jersey. The challenges that Mr. Walker overcame along this strenuous journey are also reflective of Ghana’s journey to self-reliance with a focus on health and wellbeing which are crucial for our empowerment,” added Mr. Opuni.
100% of the proceeds raised from The Ghana Grand will go directly to the Plastic Surgery & Burns Unit (PBSU) at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
In Ghana, there are 400,000 deaths per year from malaria and 300,000 deaths from burns mostly as a result of home gas explosions. PBSU is a center of excellence in the region and across Africa with units in Accra and Kumasi and outreach missions recently in Wa and Tamale.
Fidelity Bank’s support for The Ghana Grand is the latest installment in a host of initiatives targeted at improving social welfare.
Recently, the bank has also enacted a Malaria Prevention Fundraising program, supported by the launch of the Korle-Bu Critical Care Fund, a constructed 12-Seater Biofil Toilet Facility at St. Maurice R/C JHS. To boost financial literacy, Fidelity similarly sponsored training programs for disabled persons and JHS pupils at Junior Achievement Africa.
