Akropong: The Ghana Education Service (GES) has partnered with EcoPeriod Ghana to distribute 200 reusable sanitary pads to schoolgirls as part of activities marking this year's Menstrual Hygiene Day. The donation and sensitization exercise took place on May 28, 2026, in Akropong, targeting girls in selected basic and senior high schools across the Eastern Region. The initiative seeks to address period poverty, reduce absenteeism, and promote dignified menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls.
According to Ghana Web, the Deputy Director-General in charge of Management Services at the Ghana Education Service, Professor Smile Gavua Dzisi, emphasized that menstrual health remains a key barrier to education for many girls. She stressed that access to safe and sustainable menstrual products is not a luxury but essential for learning. "When girls miss school because of their periods, they lose valuable learning time," she stated. Professor Dzisi added that the partnership demonstrates GES' commitment to ensuring that no girl is left behind because of menstruation.
EcoPeriod Ghana, a social enterprise focused on sustainable menstrual health solutions, provided the 200 reusable pads as part of the donation. The pads are washable, eco-friendly, and designed to last up to two years with proper care. Beyond the distribution, the organization has also held an educational session for beneficiaries on the proper use, cleaning, storage, and disposal of the reusable pads. The team further led discussions aimed at breaking the stigma and myths surrounding menstruation while encouraging open conversations among students, teachers, and parents.
Founder of the organization, Amidiya Abdul Latif, noted that the campaign aligns with Ghana's efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on Quality Education and SDG 5 on Gender Equality. "This is about more than just giving out pads; it is about equipping girls with knowledge, confidence, and sustainable tools to manage their periods without shame or interruption to their education," she concluded.
Officials from both institutions noted that the pilot distribution exercise in the region will be expanded to other regions in the coming months, with plans to reach more schools and communities. The partnership has been welcomed by teachers, parents, and students, many of whom described the reusable pads and educational campaign as "timely and empowering."