By: Alexander Afriyie
Ghana is taking a significant step towards promoting menstrual health and education for young girls. The government has announced a policy to provide free sanitary pads to approximately two million girls in basic and senior high schools across the country. This initiative, which is part of President John Mahama’s 2024 manifesto promise, aims to reduce absenteeism, improve retention, and promote education among female students.
The Impact of Menstrual Poverty.
Menstrual poverty is a significant challenge faced by many girls in Ghana, often leading to absenteeism, decreased academic performance, and increased dropout rates. By providing free sanitary pads, the government hopes to alleviate the financial burden on families and promote menstrual health among young girls.
The Launch of the Initiative.
The free sanitary pad policy is set to be officially launched in Accra, with the government having allocated GH¢292.4 million for the initiative. The policy will benefit girls from Primary 5 to Senior High School, starting with the current academic year. According to Dr. Naa Agnes Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, the initiative will not only improve school attendance but also contribute to economic growth, social development, and poverty reduction in Ghana.
Local Production and Economic Benefits.
The government has also announced plans to source the sanitary pads from local manufacturers, which is expected to boost the local economy and create jobs. The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has welcomed this decision, stating that it will promote made-in-Ghana goods and increase local production. With three sanitary pad manufacturers in Ghana having a combined installed capacity of 700 million pieces per year, the AGI is confident that local producers can meet the government’s demand.
A Step Towards a Brighter Future.
The free sanitary pad initiative is a significant step towards promoting girls’ education and menstrual health in Ghana. By providing access to sanitary pads, the government hopes to empower young girls to manage their menstruation with dignity and without barriers to education, health, and opportunities. As Ghanaian CSOs Platform on SDGs notes, this initiative will have a positive impact on girls’ school attendance and decrease the risk of school dropout and violence .
Key Highlights of the Initiative
– Beneficiaries: Approximately 2 million girls in basic and senior high schools
– Allocated Budget: GH¢292.4 million
– Objective: Promote menstrual health, reduce absenteeism, and improve retention among female students
– Procurement: Sanitary pads will be sourced from local manufacturers to boost the local economy and create jobs
– Expected Outcome: Improved school attendance, increased academic performance, and reduced dropout rates among female students. Alexander Afriyie