Move by bamboo – Ghana
Dinsdag 10 februari 2026This project involves setting up a local workshop in Ghana where sustainable mobile aids made from bamboo are produced, such as wheelchairs, walking frames, and crutches.
The aids are custom-made and adapted to local conditions, such as unpaved roads and limited maintenance options.
This prevents injuries and pressure sores and ensures that people can actually use their assistive devices. Local production and training of technicians creates a lasting solution that increases mobility, reduces stigma, and structurally improves the health and independence of people with physical disabilities.
Goal:
Mobility and independence
Theme:
Rehabilitation and support
Location:
Ghana
Health pioneer:
Marjelle Scheffers
Project
Goal
Results
Project
In Ghana, there is a severe shortage of usable mobile aids for people with physical disabilities. Available wheelchairs are often second-hand, not customized, and unsuitable for rough terrain.
This project develops and produces bamboo wheelchairs and other aids locally, tailored to the user and environment.
Goal
Setting up a temporary workshop with machines, inventory, and materials so that the production process can start professionally. In addition, two trainees are being trained to help build a local team. The project is producing the first series of tools and developing assembly jigs to scale up production.
Results
- Purchase of machinery and inventory for local production
- Training of two new bamboo technicians/trainees
- Production and testing phase of approximately 20 bamboo wheelchairs and approximately 20 walking frames
- Development of assembly jigs for upscaling
Health pioneer Marjelle Scheffers
Marjelle Scheffers is a health pioneer and founder of Move by bamboo. With a background in biomedical technology and medicine, she works with local partners in Ghana to find a sustainable solution to the shortage of mobile medical devices. As chair of the Dutch foundation, she supports the Ghanaian NGO with strategy, organization, and fundraising. Marjelle is committed to making appropriate aids available locally and reducing stigma.
Watch her motivation and project in the video below.
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