The Ahafo Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC), in collaboration with Netcentric Campaigns, a US-based non-profit organisation, has donated sanitary pads and educational materials to 500 basic school girls across the region, as part of efforts to promote proper menstrual hygiene and reduce stigma.

The donation, which also included 5,000 exercise books and 500 school bags, targeted girls from Asutifi South and North, Asunafo North and South, and Tano North and South districts. The intervention was launched during the regional celebration of Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025 in Goaso on Tuesday.

Speaking at the event, Ahafo Regional Minister Charity Gardiner announced that girls in public basic schools across the region would benefit from free sanitary pads. She emphasised that the initiative supports Ghana’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 5 (Gender Equality).

“This is not just about distributing pads. It's about affirming dignity, gender equality and our collective responsibility to remove barriers to girls' education,” Mrs Gardiner stated.

Observed globally on May 28, Menstrual Hygiene Day raises awareness about menstrual health and the importance of breaking taboos that hinder access to safe and dignified menstrual care. The 2025 theme, "Together for a Period-Friendly World," calls for collective efforts to eliminate stigma and ensure equitable access to menstrual products and education.

Mrs Gardiner revealed that GH¢292.4 million had been allocated in the 2024/2025 national budget for the supply of sanitary pads to female students in public basic and secondary schools nationwide.

She also urged men to support menstrual health management efforts and reject the long-held cultural taboos around menstruation. “Menstruation is part of womanhood, not a taboo. We need everyone on board to create a safe environment for our girls,” she stressed.

Abraham Fletcher, Ahafo Regional Director of Education, highlighted how myths, misinformation, and stigma associated with menstruation prevent open conversations, leading to shame and poor hygiene practices among girls.

“Fear of staining and teasing causes many girls to miss school during their periods. Repeated absenteeism can lead to poor academic performance or even dropout, limiting future opportunities,” he said.

Mr Fletcher pledged the Education Directorate’s support to ensure full implementation of WASH masterplans in the region, aimed at providing proper water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools to ensure dignity and confidence among menstruating girls.

One of the beneficiaries, Gloria Amankwah, a student of Acherensua Methodist Basic School, expressed appreciation on behalf of her peers. “We thank Madam Gardiner and Netcentric Campaigns for this kind gesture. It will help us stay in school and take care of ourselves better during our periods,” she said.

The launch event brought together representatives from the Ghana Education Service, local government, NGOs, the media, parents, teachers, and students, reaffirming the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to menstrual hygiene management.

Menstrual hygiene remains a critical public health and education issue in developing countries. Addressing it effectively requires policy reform, investment in WASH infrastructure, access to affordable products, comprehensive education, and community-level engagement to eliminate harmful cultural norms and promote girls’ empowerment.