Assin south: Mr Jonathan Birikorang, District Chief Executive (DCE) for Assin South, has donated over 2,000 sanitary pads to 100 public basic and 36 private schools to promote menstrual dignity and hygiene. Some of the beneficiary schools included Sibinso Catholic, Nyankumasi Ahenkro 'A' and 'B', Nyankumasi Ahenkro Methodist, Odumasi D/A Basic School, and many others.
According to Ghana News Agency, the DCE stated that the donation of the sanitary pads was in fulfilment of President John Dramani Mahama's promise to support all school-going girls in the country to stay clean and healthy during their menstrual cycle. He emphasized that this initiative is a significant step towards breaking the silence around menstruation, removing stigma, and helping schoolgirls to stay focused on their education without fear or shame.
Mr Birikorang also pointed out that a lot of girls do not attend school during menstruation, and some even drop out due to the lack of sanitary pads. He urged the schoolgirls to use the pads provided and cautioned against selling them. He warned that anyone caught selling the pads would be handed over to the Ghana Police for prosecution.
Mr Isaac Opoku Inkoom, District Director of Education, remarked that menstruation is not a taboo but rather a sign of fertility in girls. He advised parents and guardians to ensure their daughters have access to sanitary pads to prevent soiling their uniforms and missing school.
