How We Started

The catalyst for this venture was the tragic June 3rd, 2015 flood and gas explosion in Accra, which claimed over 150 lives. This event highlighted the urgency of addressing environmental issues. In 2016, Yaa attempted to launch the business, but challenges with relocating from Canada to Ghana and an unready market stalled the project.

In 2021, Yaa Birago decided to take a six-month vacation in Ghana with her family due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon arrival, she realized that single-use plastic pollution had worsened. What began as a short vacation turned into a permanent relocation, driven by her determination to solve this pressing problem. Yaa left behind her 13-year career in IT in Canada, along with her family and friends, to pursue this venture. Returning to Ghana to make a positive change had always been her dream.

In 2022, Yaa joined forces with her friend Bennet Nyarko, who also quit his 10-year teaching job to tackle the issue of single-use plastic and provide employment opportunities for women. Soko Bags officially began its journey in January 2022, operating from Yaa’s parents house in Ofankor, Accra, with just two employees and two industrial sewing machines.

Within a year of full operations, we had produced over 8,000 reusable bags, acquired our own printing machine, and initiated in-house printing services. Our commitment to employment and  expanding our environmentally conscious customer base led to a 1000% growth in our online community and the commencement of exports to destinations like Bermuda, Canada, Togo, Uganda, and Germany.

In under two years, we moved into our own dedicated facility, expanding our team from 2 to 27 employees and providing full in-house production services. We diversified our product range to include simple eco-friendly products such as pillowcases and aprons, catering to a broader audience. Support from the Ghana Climate Innovation Center (GCIC) and Standard Chartered Bank has been pivotal in our growth. We are proud to have produced eco-friendly bags for organizations like the British Council, GTP, Ministry of Communication and Digitalization, Embassy of France, Grundfos, Lincoln Community School, MEST, Absa, Guba, ALx and many more.

Soko Bags is not just a business; it’s a movement born out of a deep love for Ghana and a commitment to sustainability. The story of Yaa Birago and Bennet Nyarko is one of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact. They left behind secure careers and the comfort of familiar surroundings to address a critical environmental issue and uplift their community.

Every Soko Bag represents more than just a reusable product; it symbolizes hope, change, and a brighter future for Ghana. By choosing Soko Bags, customers are not only reducing plastic waste but also supporting a vision of a cleaner, greener world. Each bag carries the spirit of the people who crafted it, the determination of Yaa and Bennet, and the promise of a sustainable tomorrow.

Join us in this journey to make Ghana and the world a better place. Together, we can reduce plastic waste, empower women, and promote a sustainable lifestyle. Soko Bags is more than a brand—it’s a testament to what can be achieved when we come together with a shared purpose