NADeF marks Menstrual Hygiene Day with 50,000 sanitary pads for 4,000 Schoolgirls in Ahafo communities

The Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF) donated 50,000 sanitary pads. This donation supports 4,000 girls in ten communities affected by mining in the Ahafo region. It commemorates World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025.

With funding from the World Gold Council, the donation reached basic schoolgirls. The schools included Kenyasi No.1 and No.2, Ntotroso, Gyedu, Wamahinso, Adrobaa, Afirisikpakrom, Yamfo, Susuanso, and Terchire. Each girl received three sanitary pads and a sanitary bag.

NADeF staff worked with Newmont Ahafo employees to provide education sessions. They focused on proper menstrual hygiene and debunking harmful myths. They also addressed physical and emotional changes related to menstruation.

Targeted schools included Kwakyekrom D/A Basic, Ntotroso Methodist Basic, and Islamic Basic Schools. Pupils learned about personal hygiene and building confidence during their menstrual cycles.

World Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed annually on May 28. It advocates for global action against period stigma. The 2025 theme is “Together for a Period Friendly World.” This theme emphasizes collective efforts to remove barriers caused by menstruation.

Elizabeth Opoku Darko is the Executive Secretary of NADeF. She explained that lack of menstrual care leads to school dropouts among girls. “We’ve seen a decline in girls’ enrolment due to poor menstrual hygiene management,” she noted.

Many parents cannot afford sanitary pads. As a result, girls often miss school during their periods. “The donation will help keep these girls clean and confident,” she said.

Madam Opoku Darko emphasized that menstruation is natural for every girl. It should not be treated as taboo. She urged parents, teachers, and male allies to create a supportive environment.

NADeF was established in May 2008 through an agreement with Newmont Gold Limited. It promotes sustainable development in mining-affected communities based on respect and transparency.

Blessing Oduro is a student beneficiary who expressed gratitude on behalf of her peers. “We have learned important hygiene practices,” she said. “We will use this knowledge wisely.”