A not-for-profit organisation, OMJ Foundation launched its Menstrual Hygiene Drive (MHD) in selected JHS schools in the Akuapem South municipality in the Eastern Region on May 28, 2024.

The selected schools that benefited from the foundation's generosity were Oboadaka D/A JHS, Gyankama Methodist JHS, Kitaase Government School, Peduase Government School, and Konkonuru Methodist JHS.

In summary, over four thousand pieces of sanitary pads, 500 panty liners, and 2 gallons of hand sanitizers were distributed among the girls in these selected schools on the occasion of International Menstrual Hygiene Day.

According to Mr. Osei Mensah Joseph, the founder and CEO of the Foundation, they are committed to alleviating the unfortunate situations associated with improper menstrual hygiene care, especially in rural communities, to equip adolescent girls with the knowledge and confidence essential for their educational pursuits without fear of shame, ridicule, or victimization within their socio-cultural space.

He further lamented that, as a foundation that bases its operations on empirical research, he is alarmed and very worried about cases of absenteeism, cervical complications, and "sex for pad" scenarios, which are major contributing factors to teenage pregnancies and eventually lead to school dropouts among girls in rural communities.

This situation is primarily due to a lack of knowledge and resources essential for enhancing menstrual hygiene. In line with the evidence from this research, the foundation, aside from donating sanitary pads, collaborates with a team of doctors, nurses, and specialists in cervical diagnosis to educate young girls on these crucial topics, which are often unknown to them at an early age.

In an interview with UTV Ghana, the CEO commended the government's efforts in implementing the Free SHS policy. However, he also called on the government to review the policy to consciously allow the distribution of menstrual pads in basic and secondary schools free of charge, as research indicates that this is essential for the education of girls.

"OMJ Foundation is a dynamic and compassionate non-profit organization committed to creating positive change in societies. Our foundation was established with a clear purpose: thus, to positively impact generations through the act of giving back to society. We firmly believe in the power of generosity, empathy, advocacy, and collective action to transform lives and build a better future. "The CEO, Osei Mensah Joseph, clearly amplified their mission.

The OMJ Foundation team, led by the Director of Operations, promised to extend its Menstrual Hygiene Drive initiative to other schools, targeting areas that will significantly benefit needy girls and support their educational journeys.

"We are not only here today because today, the 28th day of May, is marked to observe menstrual hygiene. We are here to roll up the OMJ Foundation Menstrual Hygiene Drive initiative. This is a whole project that intends to grow from where we have begun today.

"We appeal to government agencies and organisations, Sister NGOs, as well as individuals in our country to support us any little way should we knock on your doors. We need your help to collectively create the changes we want to see. We believe we can not do without your continual support. "The Director of Operations, Mr. Wisdom Kofi Nartey, said".

He expressed appreciation to Novas Angels, a sister NGO, for their support towards the MHD initiative.

He also lauded the Education Directorate, Heads, Teachers, and the students for their efforts and cooperation.