President John Dramani Mahama has launched the Free Sanitary Pad Initiative, a transformative national programme aimed at providing free sanitary pads to two million schoolgirls in public basic and senior high schools across the country.

In a passionate address, the President underscored that the initiative is not a one-off intervention, but a long-term government commitment to ensure monthly distribution of sanitary pads. “No girl in Ghana should miss school because of a menstrual period,” he affirmed.

Objectives

The initiative seeks to reduce school absenteeism due to lack of menstrual hygiene products, empowering girls to manage their periods with dignity and confidence. It also aims to eliminate the stigma surrounding menstruation and ensure that girls are not excluded or embarrassed during their monthly cycles.

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, hailed the initiative as a major step towards ending the emotional distress many girls endure during menstruation, while the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, emphasised its role in breaking the silence around menstruation and combating period poverty.

Dignitaries, importance

The launch event, graciously chaired by the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, brought together key stakeholders, including the Director-General and deputies of the Ghana Education Service, divisional and unit heads, teachers, directors of education, and learners.

The Free Sanitary Pad Initiative marks a significant stride towards creating a more inclusive and equitable education system where every girl can thrive with pride and dignity.