Access Holdings Marks International Men’s Health Month with Groupwide Activation across Africa

Every November, the world turns its attention to the health and wellbeing of men, an important but often neglected conversation. This year, Access Holdings embraced the moment with renewed purpose, rolling out a comprehensive, groupwide campaign across the African subsidiaries of its Banking Group to promote awareness, early detection, mental resilience, and community support for men. The month-long activities affirmed that men deserve deliberate care and attention, and the organisations they work for must help close the empathy gap that too often leaves men to navigate health challenges on their own.

In Nigeria, where Access Holdings and Access Bank’s largest employee population is based, the conversation began with the Under the Tie podcast episode dedicated to men’s wellness. The session, designed to spark open, relatable dialogue, encouraged male staff to reflect on their physical, emotional, and mental health. The focus on destigmatising vulnerability was deliberate; many men struggle silently with concerns ranging from work stress to family responsibilities and age-related health conditions. To complement the internal conversation, Access Bank extended the initiative beyond the workplace by organising prostate health screenings for men in Ebute Metta, Lagos in Nigeria. The outreach showed the organisation’s belief that the well-being of the community is deeply tied to the well-being of its people.

Across Ghana, adopted a highly engaging, visibility-driven approach anchored on the global Blue November movement. Thousands of employees participated in a themed dress day where staff wore blue to express solidarity with men and fathers, instantly creating a sense of unity and shared purpose. Wellness education was provided throughout the month, focusing on nutrition, exercise, mental health habits, and early checks that can significantly improve health outcomes later in life. Staff also joined a stimulating session led by Dr. George Bediako Inkoom, whose presentation on preventive health and wellness habits made the medical conversation accessible and practical.

Access Bank Botswana approached the month from a mental health perspective, recognising the psychological pressures many men face in both professional and personal environments. With the support of the Bank’s wellness partner, Lyra, male employees attended a candid mental health talk that opened a space for asking questions, seeking clarity, and breaking down the silence often associated with men’s emotional struggles. To complement the serious conversations, Botswana introduced lighter, culturally engaging moments, including a “Spot the Mo-staches” quiz that sparked excitement across the bank. The subsidiary ended the month with a “Wear Blue” day, complete with themed photo backdrops that encouraged teams to share their experiences and amplify the message of support.