The Ghana Education Service (GES) has distributed more than 6.6 million sanitary pads to schoolgirls across all 16 regions of the country as part of efforts to promote menstrual hygiene and ensure that no girl misses school during her period.

The initiative, announced in a statement on Saturday, October 11, coincides with the International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated globally under the theme “The Girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of the crisis.”

According to the GES, the intervention aims to support the welfare and dignity of adolescent girls, while tackling barriers that affect girls’ education, particularly menstrual hygiene challenges.

“This initiative is in fulfilment of the government of Ghana’s promise to provide free sanitary pads to all schoolgirls, from basic to second cycle levels, on a monthly basis throughout their school life,” the statement said.

GES noted that the distribution reflects the government’s broader commitment to improving menstrual health, advancing gender equality in education, and safeguarding the confidence and well-being of adolescent girls.

The statement further reaffirmed GES's continuous support to girls across the country, noting that they remain dedicated to building an education system that is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of every learner.

The GES also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education for its role in operationalising the initiative, describing it as a “life-changing intervention” that will help girls stay focused on their studies and take full advantage of educational opportunities.

Read the full statement below