By Yussif Ibrahim
Kumasi, April 09, GNA – A Social Movement under the “She Leads Project” has welcomed the government’s commitment to provide free sanitary pads to girls in basic and senior high schools across the country.
The Movement wants the government to ensure inclusive and sustainable implementation which it believes is a significant step towards addressing period poverty and absenteeism among girls.
The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, On March 11 announced a GH¢292.4 million allocation for the initiative during the 2025 budget presentation in parliament.
A statement issued by the Movement and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), implored the government to expand access to marginalised groups especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Such groups, according to the statement, face greater barriers to menstrual hygiene and education.
The statement also proposed the establishment of pad banks in schools with clear supply chain mechanisms, record-keeping systems, and restocking procedures to ensure effective monitoring and equitable distribution.
Sanitary pad distribution should also go hand in hand with comprehensive menstrual and hygiene education, including proper usage and safe disposal of pads.
Another critical point the statement made was the need to recognise the different needs of girls by ensuring the pad comes in sizes and absorption capacities to cater for different body types and menstrual flow.
It called for the establishment of a dedicated source of funding for the initiative and develop a national menstrual health and hygiene policy to provide lasting support for girls and young women.
To ensure affordability and reduce import dependency, the Movement encouraged the government to partner local manufacturers in the production of the pads which could also lead to job creation for young people.
“We commend this initiative and look forward to working together to ensure every girl and woman in Ghana has access to safe, affordable, and sustainable menstrual hygiene products,” the statement concluded.
GNA
KOM/LAA