Mahama Will Fulfill Free Sanitary Pad Pledge-Naa Odoley Sowah


The Deputy Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, has assured Ghanaians that President John Dramani Mahama will honor his promise to distribute free sanitary pads. According to the minister, the government is making significant progress toward implementing the initiative, which will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.

Speaking at the Women in WASH Advocacy Network Ghana (WinWASH) event, Naa Odoley Sowah noted that the programme would initially target school pupils before expanding nationwide. She emphasized that the Ministry of Gender would ensure the smooth implementation of the project, which is aimed at addressing a pressing challenge faced by young girls in rural Ghana.

She pointed out that many girls often skip school during menstruation due to the lack of sanitary pads, fearing teasing from their male counterparts if they soil their uniforms. This situation, she added, has negatively impacted girl-child education in the country. With the introduction of free sanitary pads, she believes the initiative will boost girls’ confidence and reduce absenteeism in both basic and secondary schools.

Naa Odoley Sowah also advocated for proper and standardized washroom facilities in schools, markets, and public spaces, stressing that such washrooms should have areas where girls can comfortably change their sanitary products.

Addressing the issue of women’s representation in politics, the minister acknowledged that the 41 female MPs in Parliament are insufficient to push significant gender-based agendas. She called on women advocates to involve men in WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programs to enhance advocacy efforts.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Theodora Adomako-Adjei, Director of Extension and Commercial Services at the Community Water and Sanitation Agency, welcomed the free sanitary pad initiative as a positive step for girl-child education in Ghana. However, she cautioned that proper data and research are crucial for the successful implementation of the policy and urged the government to expedite the process.

Mrs. Nora Quennu, National Coordinator of the Women in WASH Advocacy Network, called for more inclusive policies and programs to empower women across various sectors of the economy. She urged women leaders in academia, media, and other fields to take active roles in advocating for improved WASH facilities and services.



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