Vice‑President’s Office Celebrates Landmark Sanitary Pad Initiative
ACCRA, Ghana — The Office of the Vice‑President has hailed the national rollout of the free sanitary pad initiative as a major milestone in Ghana’s social welfare agenda. Ama Pratt, Press Secretary to the Vice‑President, announced on Adom FM’s “Dwaso Nsem” that the initiative is emblematic of the government’s commitment to dignity, inclusion, and educational equity for girls attending public basic and secondary schools.
Key Takeaways & Official Position
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Social Victory: According to Pratt, supplying free sanitary pads represents a “very big achievement” in advancing menstrual hygiene management among schoolgirls.
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Implemented by Ministry of Education: Though exact distribution numbers were not disclosed, the Ministry of Education is leading the logistics of delivery to schools nationwide
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Broader Welfare Strategy: The initiative runs alongside other social programs, including full payment for caterers under the School Feeding Programme, showcasing a multi-sectoral approach to child welfare.
Context & Scale of the Initiative
Launched by President John Dramani Mahama on April 24, 2025, the Free Sanitary Pads for Schoolgirls Programme targets over two million girls from Primary 5 to Senior High School across the country. The goal is to eliminate menstrual-related absenteeism and empower girls to stay in school with dignity. The initiative addresses a disturbing reality: many girls miss up to five days of school monthly due to menstrual stigma or lack of hygiene products, which impacts academic performance and retention rates.
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GH₵292.4 million was allocated in the 2025 national budget, emphasizing the policy’s fiscal prioritization and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 5 (Gender Equality). Further, President Mahama directed that sanitary pads must be procured locally to boost domestic production, create jobs, and foster economic empowerment
Investigative Insight: Milestone or Momentary Gesture?
Evidence from civil society groups, including GNECC, acknowledges the transformative potential of this policy while cautioning against sustainability challenges. Concerns include:
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Tracking Implementation: Ensuring that pads reach intended beneficiaries, especially in remote or underserved regions.
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Preventing Mismanagement: Guarding against unauthorized sale or diversion of supplies intended for free distribution
Source: My News Ghana
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