The Eastern Regional Minister, Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, on 28th May 2025, renewed calls for nationwide action to prioritise menstrual health as a public health and human rights issue. She made the appeal at Oyoko Methodist and Klo-Agogo Senior High Schools to mark the 2025 Menstrual Hygiene Day.
Speaking at the separate functions, Mrs. Awatey described menstruation as a natural process that must never be a reason for stigmatization, exclusion, or missed opportunities. She expressed concern over the continued lack of access to sanitary products and proper facilities in some schools, which often disrupt the education and confidence of girls, and called for sustained investment in safe, hygienic learning environments and access to affordable menstrual products.
Mrs. Awatey said the government’s recent initiative to distribute free sanitary pads to schoolgirls is laudable and called for long-term support systems to ensure its impact reaches every community. She reaffirmed the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council’s commitment to partnering with the Ghana Education Service and all stakeholders in health to advance menstrual hygiene and uphold girls’ dignity.
She commended the Regional Education Directorate, teachers, and health professionals for their contributions to this year’s campaign, adding that building a period-friendly Ghana demands both awareness and sustained cross-sector collaboration.
The Minister encouraged girls to view their periods not as a setback but as a symbol of strength, and assured them that with the right support, they can thrive and reach their full potential.
