Plan International Ghana has commended the Government of Ghana for allocating Gh₵292.4 million in the 2025 Financial Budget to distribute free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools.
The organization, emphasized the profound impact of the initiative on girls and was of the view that government by that policy would address a key driver of inequality and create an enabling environment for girls to stay in school, focus on education, and achieve their full potentials.
In a statement signed by Mr. Constant Tchona, Country Director of the Organization and copied the GNA, it noted that Menstrual poverty remained a critical barrier to the well-being, education, and development of women and girls, particularly in rural areas.
“This transformative initiative which fulfills President John Dramani Mahama’s 2024 manifesto promise, marks a significant milestone in the fight against menstrual poverty and the promotion of gender equality in Ghana”, the statement said
Studies showed that limited access to affordable menstrual hygiene products forces many girls to resort to unsafe and unhygienic alternatives, such as rags or leaves, which posed serious health risks and contribute to school absenteeism.
In some cases, some of these girls end up in compromising situations leading to abuse by some adults.
The statement acknowledged that government’s commitment to providing free sanitary pads would not only alleviate the challenges but also empower girls to manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence.
Plan International Ghana is an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls had been at the forefront of efforts to address menstrual poverty and promote gender equality.
Through their interventions, projects, and initiatives such as the SHE Leads, the Lead Fund, the “Be Smart Learn and Stay Protected” and Integrated Package for Sustainable Community Development (IPADEV), advocated for the removal of taxes on sanitary pads.
The organization has distributed disposable sanitary pads to over 100,000 vulnerable adolescent girls, initiated advocacy for the development of standards for the certification of reusable sanitary products, among others.
Supported visually impaired girls to lobby for sanitary facilities in their schools.
They have constructed over 100 Girl-Friendly latrines in schools across Ghana
and provided mechanized and hand pumps water facilities in schools and communities to enable girls manage their menstrual hygiene
Additionally, the Alumni Network initiated a ‘No Pad Tax Campaign’ and mobilized over 1,000 signatures in a petition to the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection. organized stakeholder dialogues and advocated for policy changes to make menstrual products more accessible and affordable.
While applauding government actions which aligned with their advocacy, it urged government to ensure effective implementation of the initiative particularly in hard-to-reach rural communities where the need was greatest. encouraged by the government’s actions, which align with our advocacy and influencing efforts towards
The statement, however, called for sustained investment in menstrual health education and the provision of adequate sanitation facilities in schools to complement the initiative.
GNA