By Benard Worlali Awumee
Anloga, (V/R), March 12, GNA – Winners of the Mama Hogbe Pageant, a beauty contest that crowns Queens for the annual Anlo Hogbetsotso Festival in the Volta Region, have applauded the government’s decision to implement a free sanitary pad distribution policy.
The beauty queens welcomed the initiative, stating that it aligned with their mission to reduce menstrual poverty in Anlo communities and promote education among young girls.
They believed the policy would improve access to essential menstrual materials and help keep more girls in school.
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassel Ato Forson, announced the policy during Tuesday’s presentation of the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy.
He disclosed that the government would allocate some GHS 292.4 million to provide free sanitary pads to school girls across the country.
This initiative was earlier announced by President John Dramani Mahama, as part of his campaign promises prior to his re-election in 2024.
The commitment now marks a significant step in addressing menstrual health challenges faced by many young girls.
After the budget statement, the Ghana News Agency engaged the Queens Wednesday morning on their reactions since the decision aligns with their upcoming project plans on the theme of “Breaking the Cycle of Menstrual Poverty and Substance Abuse, a Solution to Quality Education in Anloland”.
Reacting to the announcement, the beauty queens expressed optimism about the policy’s potential to positively impact girls’ education and overall well-being.
Miss Sandra Andrea Gakpe, winner of the Pageant, highlighted the detrimental effects of menstrual poverty on young girls, emphasising that many were victims to social vices due to their inability to afford sanitary products.
“The lack of access to menstrual materials is forcing many girls into situations that affect not only their education but also their moral upbringing and life ambitions. Providing free sanitary pads will help reduce these risks and keep them focused on their future,” she stated.
Miss Rita Sedem, the first runner-up, linked menstrual poverty to the declining standard of education in many communities.
“Menstrual poverty is a key factor in school absenteeism and declining academic performance among girls. Supporting young girls with free sanitary products will encourage them to stay in school and improve their overall performance,” she noted.
Some students interviewed by the GNA also commended the policy, sharing personal experiences of how lack of access to sanitary pads affects their education.
“Menstruation is natural, but when you don’t have money to buy pads, you’re forced to stay home during your period. Some of us even miss exams because of this,” a student lamented.
Meanwhile, Miss Stella Sewonumafe, the second runner-up of the Mama Hogbe Pageant, announced their plans to launch a campaign soon aimed at tackling menstrual poverty in Anlo communities.
“We will soon launch our project to raise awareness and provide support to young girls in need. We encourage everyone to join us in this initiative to help break the cycle of menstrual poverty and substance abuse in our communities,” she stated.
The beauty queens called on stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and corporate bodies, to support their advocacy in ensuring that no girl in Anlo is left behind in education due to menstrual poverty.
Records show that more than 20 per cent of young girls drop out of school in Ghana due to menstrual and sanitary issues
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