Accra, Ghana — In a bold move to fight period poverty and protect girls’ right to education, Ghana has officially launched a free sanitary pad policy for female students in basic and secondary schools.
At a colorful launch event held at Salvation Army Cluster of Schools in Mamprobi, Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu declared the intervention a game-changer in restoring dignity and confidence to schoolgirls during their menstrual cycles.
“Today’s milestone, in my words, is a terminal end to the unbearable emotional trauma and indignity that young girls go through responding to nature,” he stated.
🚺 The Problem: Periods Shouldn’t Pause Education
For years, girls across Ghana — particularly in low-income communities — have had to miss school during their periods due to lack of access to sanitary products. That monthly absence often translates into lost learning hours, reduced self-esteem, and eventually, higher dropout rates.
Haruna Iddrisu, speaking at the launch, emphasized that this policy signals “a terminal end to that strife and struggle,” ensuring no girl stays home because of something as natural as menstruation.
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A Campaign Promise Delivered by President Mahama
This initiative fulfills a 2024 campaign pledge by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by now-President John Dramani Mahama. The policy isn’t just symbolic — it’s financially backed.
📊 Budget Breakdown:
For 2025, the government has committed GHC292.4 million to fund this national social intervention, directly supporting the health and education of thousands of Ghanaian girls.
At the launch, Mahama was praised for his administration’s commitment to women’s welfare, especially around “mental and hygienic health.”
🧠 Why It Matters
Haruna didn’t hold back from calling the lack of sanitary pads an “ordeal” that deeply affects a girl’s education, mental health, and future.
“No girl child in Ghana will abstain herself from school or have her dignity compromised… because of undergoing this natural biological process,” he affirmed.
This move aligns with global SDGs, particularly:
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
Goal 4: Quality Education
Goal 5: Gender Equality
📢 What Happens Next?
Implementation will begin in selected districts with plans to scale nationally. The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with local health agencies and NGOs, will oversee the rollout to ensure every eligible girl has access.
If successfully executed, Ghana could set a precedent for other African countries struggling with similar challenges.
✊🏽 Join the Conversation
🩸 Ever had to miss school or work because of period poverty?
🎓 Are you a teacher or student who’ll benefit from this initiative?
👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments — or share this with someone who needs to see it.
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CelebritiesBuzzGh —Mahama Launches Free Sanitary Pad Program for School Girls
