Some 102 girls from poor backgrounds in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region have benefited from the distribution of sanitary products by the Fanthonio Foundation.

This follows a JoyNews report which highlighted the adverse effect of “period poverty” on the health and education of young girls in rural Ghana. 

The report, produced by Fred Quame Asare, chronicled how some young girls in the Mafi Dove community resort to unhygienic means to take care of themselves during menstruation. 

The Founder of Fanthonio Foundation, Ms Felicia Anthonio indicated that learning of how these young girls improvised pieces of cloth as sanitary pads was disheartening. 

This, she said, triggered her outfit to mobilize resources to salvage the situation in the interim while permanent solutions are being worked on. 

”We couldn't have looked on unconcerned but to come to the aid of these young females who have potentials of becoming great personalities in our country Ghana. The products are expected to last these 102 beneficiaries between six and nine months,” she said. 

She is optimistic that the provision of the sanitary products would enable the beneficiaries to have improved health and continues access to education. 

An elated beneficiary, Patience Amenorhu, who featured in the JoyNews report, explained the products would ease the financial burden on her grandmother who struggles to take care of her. 

Nonetheless, realizing the great harm caused some young females due to period poverty, some civil society organisations are advocating for the removal of the 20% import tax on sanitary towels to make that essential product available and affordable for all girls.