The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, has launched the Free Sanitary Pad Initiative to provide free sanitary pads to over two million schoolgirls across Ghana.
The programme, launched at the Salvation Army Cluster of Schools in Accra on Thursday, April 24, 2025, is part of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s efforts to address period poverty and reduce school absenteeism among adolescent girls.
Speaking at the launch, President John Dramani Mahama said the initiative aimed to ensure that no girl’s education is disrupted due to lack of access to menstrual hygiene products.
“We must support our young girls as they navigate this natural part of life,” he stated. “Over two million schoolgirls will now receive free sanitary pads; not just as a promise kept, but as a statement that their education matters.”
Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, emphasised that the programme is about more than just hygiene; it is about dignity, inclusion, and opportunity.
“This is not just about distributing pads,” Dr. Lartey said.
“It’s about restoring dignity, keeping girls in school, and creating equal opportunities. Menstrual health should not be a reason for a girl to fall behind.”
She added that the initiative would cover both Junior and Senior High School girls, with support from education officials to ensure its smooth implementation.
Dr. Lartey also called on the media to amplify the programme’s message and help raise awareness about its importance to girls’ education and well-being.
