Accra: The Ghana Civil Society Platform on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Tuesday called for enhanced collaboration between the Government and civil society to ensure the sustainability of the free sanitary pad distribution policy. Madam Levlyn Asiedu, the National Coordinator of the CSO’s Platform on SDGs, emphasized the importance of stakeholder involvement in the effective implementation of the policy. She addressed the issue during a dialogue session in Accra organized by the Platform ahead of Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28.
According to Ghana News Agency, Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed globally to highlight the importance of menstrual care and raise awareness about the challenges faced by those without access to menstrual products. The day focuses on the accessibility of menstrual products, the availability of safe and hygienic spaces to use them, and the right to manage menstruation without shame or stigma. Madam Asiedu stressed that the Government needs to work closely with the Ghana Civil Society Platform to ensure that girls have access to the necessary materials, infrastructure, and space to manage menstruation effectively.
Statistics reveal that many girls miss approximately 60 days of school annually due to menstruation-related challenges. Some even engage in risky behaviors to access sanitary products. Madam Asiedu pointed out that a significant challenge is the price variation of sanitary pads across retail outlets, which could disadvantage some girls. Achieving access to affordable pads requires ongoing vigilance beyond policy change, with CSOs conducting regular market monitoring.
Nana Bafffour-Awuah, the Director of Pre-Tertiary Education at the Ministry of Education, stated that the Government is committed to comprehensive menstrual hygiene policies through resource allocation and infrastructure development. The Free Sanitary Pad initiative, launched by President John Dramani Mahama on April 24, 2025, aims to benefit two million school girls across basic and secondary public schools nationwide. The initiative seeks to reduce absenteeism caused by a lack of menstrual hygiene products and ensure that no child misses school due to their period.
The Government plans to improve school sanitation facilities as part of the policy, providing clean toilets, proper disposal systems, and adequate water for cleaning. The initiative is described as a long-term commitment, with the Ghana Education Service regularly monitoring its implementation. Mr. Baffour-Awuah urged CSOs to continue advocating for stronger menstrual health policies while collaborating with the Government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations to improve access and promote education that normalizes menstruation.
Madam Grace-Yvette Palm, Programme Officer at the Department of Gender, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, called on Civil Society Organisations to support the Government in making the Free Pad Policy effective.