The Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF) has donated 50,000 sanitary pads to 4,000 girls in ten communities affected by mining operations in the Ahafo region, in commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025.

With financial backing from the World Gold Council, the donation benefited basic schoolgirls from Kenyasi No.1 and No.2, Ntotroso, Gyedu, Wamahinso, Adrobaa, Afirisikpakrom, Yamfo, Susuanso, and Terchire. Each beneficiary received three sanitary pads and a sanitary bag.

Beyond the donation, NADeF staff, in collaboration with Newmont Ahafo employees, conducted educational sessions for the girls, focusing on proper menstrual hygiene, debunking harmful myths, and addressing the physical and emotional changes linked to menstruation.

Targeted schools included Kwakyekrom D/A Basic, Ntotroso Methodist Basic, and Islamic Basic Schools, where pupils were sensitised on maintaining personal hygiene and gaining confidence during their menstrual cycles.

World Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed annually on 28 May to advocate for global action against period stigma and to promote access to safe and affordable menstrual health care for all who menstruate. The 2025 theme, “Together for a Period Friendly World,” highlights the need for collective efforts to eliminate barriers in education, health, and opportunities caused by menstruation.

Elizabeth Opoku Darko, Executive Secretary of NADeF, explained that a lack of menstrual care often contributes to school dropouts among girls. “In our routine visits to communities, we’ve seen a decline in girls’ enrolment from Basic Four through to Junior High School Three, largely due to poor menstrual hygiene management and associated myths,” she noted.

She added that the inability of many parents to afford sanitary pads means girls often stay at home for the duration of their periods, missing school and losing confidence. “The donation will help keep these girls clean, confident, and hopeful,” she said.

Madam Opoku Darko stressed that menstruation is a natural part of every girl’s life and should never be treated as a taboo. She called on parents, teachers, and male allies to work together to create a healthier, more inclusive, and period-friendly environment.

Established in May 2008 through a Foundation Agreement with Newmont Gold Limited, NADeF works to promote sustainable development in mining-affected communities, guided by values such as respect, integrity, participation, and transparency.

A student beneficiary, Blessing Oduro, expressed heartfelt thanks on behalf of her peers. “We have been taught to bathe twice a day, change our pads every five hours, and be confident in school and social settings during our period,” she said. “We will use the knowledge and skills we have acquired wisely.”