By Comfort Sena Fetrie-Akagbor
Tema, May 28, GNA — The Star Old Students Association (SOSA), in collaboration with Women Torchbearers Worldwide (WTW), has organised a menstrual hygiene awareness programme for girls of Star Primary and Junior High School in Tema to commemorate World Menstrual Hygiene Day.
The event formed part of global activities observed under the theme, “Period Friendly World,” aimed at promoting menstrual health and hygiene awareness.
Mr Kwadwo Owusu Baah, President of SOSA Tema, said the programme sought to raise awareness about the challenges many girls and women face in managing menstruation safely and with dignity.
He noted that the initiative also aimed at addressing the stigma associated with menstruation while improving access to menstrual products, information, and proper sanitation services.
Madam Jennifer Benuah Acquah, a midwife at the Tema Urban Hospital, formerly known as Tema Polyclinic, educated the pupils on proper menstrual hygiene practices and the health risks associated with poor menstrual management.
Madam Acquah explained that poor menstrual hygiene could increase the risk of infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), bacterial vaginosis (BV), and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
She advised the pupils to change sanitary products regularly to maintain cleanliness and prevent discomfort and infections.
“Washing hands thoroughly with soap after handling menstrual products helps prevent the spread of infections and diseases,” she said.
Madam Acquah also urged parents to provide adequate sanitary materials for adolescent girls to help them remain confident and focused in school.
She further educated the pupils on the proper use, cleaning, and disposal of menstrual products, including disposable pads, reusable cloths, menstrual cups, and period underwear.
Madam Anita Kwentrah, a Registered Nurse Assistant at Okanra Medical Centre, also advised the girls to maintain proper personal hygiene during menstruation to reduce the risk of bacterial infections.
Rev. Rosemary Amponsah Kyei-Mensah, Founder of Women Torchbearers Worldwide, said menstrual health and hygiene education was essential for protecting the dignity, health, and educational opportunities of girls.
She noted that proper menstrual hygiene management helped keep girls in school and reduced the stigma associated with menstruation.
As part of the programme, sanitary pads were distributed to the girls through support from the Government of Ghana, Women Torchbearers Worldwide, and Madam Julia Acquah, an alumna of Star JHS, on behalf of her husband, Mr James Enu, Member of Parliament for Tema West.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Audrey Dekalu
28 May 2026
Reporter: Comfort Sena Fetrie-Akagbor