Over 2 million girls to benefit from free sanitary pad policy - Dr Apaak

More than two million girls in Ghana will benefit from free sanitary pads. The government will officially launch this policy tomorrow, April 24, in Accra.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, Dr. Naa Agnes Momo Lartey confirmed the initiative. This fulfills a promise made by President John Mahama in the NDC's 2024 manifesto.

“The purpose of this press conference is to announce the launch,” she said. The policy aims to promote menstrual health and hygiene for adolescent girls. It is part of the President’s 120-Day Social Contract with Ghanaians.

Dr. Lartey explained that the initiative seeks to improve school attendance and reduce absenteeism among girls. It also aims to enhance academic performance.

“The government allocated GH₵292.4 million in the 2025 budget,” she stated. This funding will supply and distribute sanitary pads to female students nationwide.

She added that this project will significantly reduce absenteeism and improve retention rates. It also addresses menstrual health challenges and helps bridge the gender gap in education.

The policy supports educational access and contributes to national goals. “Educated girls are more likely to boost economic growth and social development,” she noted.

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, provided more details about the project scale. “We estimate that slightly over two million girls will benefit,” he said.

He mentioned that the procurement process is complete, involving various companies for distribution. “Different companies from diverse backgrounds are participating in this important national exercise,” he explained.