The government has officially launched the Free Sanitary Pad Initiative, a program to distribute sanitary pads to schoolgirls nationwide to support their health and education.
The initiative, which was unveiled on Thursday in Accra aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of promoting gender equality and ensuring that all children have access to quality education regardless of gender or background.
In his address, President Mahama said the initiative is more than just a policy, but a movement aimed at protecting the future of Ghana’s girls.
“This is a movement that celebrates their resilience and ensures they belong in the classroom, in leadership, and in the bright future we are building together,” he noted.
President Mahama stated that his administration, along with stakeholder collaboration would ensure that girls in Ghana can continue their education without fear of missing school due to menstruation.
“Today is a message to every girl in Ghana that you matter, that your dreams matter, and your future is worth every investment,” he added.
The Minister for Education, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, praised the President for addressing menstrual hygiene and its impact on school attendance.
“From today, no girl child in Ghana will have her dignity compromised because of menstruation. This program will improve school attendance and retention,” he said.
Mr. Iddrisu added that STEM education would be a key focus of President Mahama’s agenda this year, with new STEM kits to be introduced to primary schools.
The Free Sanitary Pad program aims to reduce financial pressure on families, improve school attendance among girls, and enhance their health and wellbeing.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
