President Mahama unveils National Sanitary Pad Programme to promote girls' education and dignity

President John Dramani Mahama has launched the National Sanitary Pad Distribution Programme. This initiative aims to improve girls' education and menstrual health. It will provide free sanitary pads to schoolgirls nationwide. This effort removes a major barrier to consistent school attendance.

The programme is a collaboration between several ministries. These include Education, Gender, Children and Social Protection, and Finance and Economic Planning. It aligns with Ghana’s national development goals and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 5. These goals focus on quality education and gender equality.

At the launch ceremony, President Mahama highlighted the importance of this initiative. He stated it shapes a brighter future for young girls in Ghana. “This is not just a policy shift—it’s a message of hope,” he said. He emphasized that every girl in Ghana matters, along with her dreams and future.

The President assured girls that the government values them and stands behind them. He also addressed parents, explaining that the programme eases their financial burden for sanitary products. It offers sustainable support for families.

President Mahama noted that this initiative will benefit schools as well. It will improve students' focus and self-esteem, positively impacting teachers too. He urged the private sector and traditional authorities to work with the government on local pad production. This collaboration will sustain the programme and create jobs for Ghanaians.