Konongo (Ash), June 4, GNA – A total of 570 girls from 23 schools in the Konongo and Nkawkaw districts have received reusable sanitary pads from ofi (olam food ingredients) Ghana Limited as part of activities marking this year’s World Menstrual Hygiene Day.
The donation, made during a day-long celebration at the Konongo-Odumase Senior High School, sought to improve menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls and ensure they remain confident and focused in school during their menstrual cycles.
The beneficiaries, drawn from primary, junior and senior high schools, also participated in educational sessions on menstrual hygiene, organised to reduce stigma and promote safe practices.
Speaking during the event, Mrs Sylvia Amo-Asare, President of the ofi Women’s Network, who led the donation exercise, explained that the choice of reusable pads was deliberate, as they were cost-effective and environmentally friendly, offering lasting relief to girls who often faced financial and social barriers to managing their periods.
Health professionals at the event highlighted the importance of using clean and safe sanitary products, changing them regularly, and maintaining proper hygiene to prevent infections and ensuring dignity.
Ms Delphine Gborgblorvor, the Asante Akim Central Municipal Health Director, together with her team of seven healthcare professionals, provided practical demonstrations on how to wear and dispose of sanitary pads properly.
She highlighted the challenges many girls face during menstruation, including pain, embarrassment, and lack of access to proper products, all of which contribute to absenteeism and low self-esteem.
“Menstruation is not a taboo; it is a sign of health and womanhood. When we educate girls and boys alike, we break barriers of shame and ignorance,” she said.
Tracking the menstrual cycle and observing good hygiene were vital to preventing reproductive health issues in young girls, the gynaecologist told them.
More than 638 students, including 68 boys, joined the celebration under the global theme: “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.”
The event began with a float through the Konongo–Odumasetown, where more than 350 students carried placards and sang to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene.
The main event featured poetry, drama, and music by students, as well as educational sessions led by health experts and community leaders.
Traditional authorities, including Nana Yaa Koah III, the Paramount Queen Mother of Odumase, and Nana Anthony Seber, the Nifahene of Konongo, graced the occasion, reinforcing the cultural significance of menstrual education and advocacy.
In addition to the distribution at Konongo, three boxes of disposable pads were donated to adolescent health clubs in Nkawkaw, Assin Fosu and Twifo Praso, reaching 20 clubs.
Another 30 boxes were handed over to the Asokwa Municipal Assembly for its own commemorative activities.
Mr Benjamin Kwaku Baah, Headmaster of Konongo-Odumase Senior High School, thanked ofi for its impactful gesture, describing the event as “timely and transformative for the students.”
Also in attendance were Vice Presidents and Heads of ofi’sProcurement and Sustainability teams, 87 employees, and representatives from the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).
Mr Eric Botwe, Country Head of ofi, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to gender equity and girls’ empowerment through such initiatives.
“Menstrual health is a fundamental part of gender equality, and it is important to create environments where women can thrive without shame or limitation,” he said.
“This celebration is a reminder that change begins with empathy, education, and collective action.”
ofi (olam food ingredients) is a new operating group born out ofOlam International.
It offers sustainable, natural, value-added food products and ingredients.
Edited by Beatrice Asamani Savage
GNA
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