Accra: The Ghana Chamber of Mines and Zijin Golden Ridge Limited have initiated an eight-month sanitary pad programme aimed at alleviating menstrual poverty and ensuring that 1,036 schoolgirls from mining communities continue their education without interruption.
According to Ghana News Agency, the programme is part of the Chamber of Mines's Purple Peach Project and seeks to provide free sanitary pads to female students in basic schools within Zijin Golden Ridge Limited's host communities in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region. Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, announced the initiative at a ceremony in New Abirem, highlighting the ongoing issue of girls missing school due to the inability to afford menstrual hygiene products.
Dr Ashigbey emphasized that the Purple Peach Project aims to prevent menstruation from becoming a barrier to education or achieving personal dreams. The initiative is designed to improve the health, dignity, and educational outcomes of girls in mining areas by mitigating a significant obstacle to school attendance. He also called on boys and teachers to support girls during menstruation and to avoid ridiculing them if accidents occur.
The project, according to Dr Ashigbey, underscores the Chamber's commitment to responsible mining, with an emphasis on enhancing the lives of host communities beyond mineral extraction. Member companies reportedly invest millions annually in various community development projects, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Additionally, the Purple Peach Project supports the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to health, education, gender equality, and sanitation. Dr Ashigbey mentioned the Chamber's Tertiary Education Fund, which has invested over US$2 million in scholarships and infrastructure at the University of Mines and Technology.
Mr Derek Boateng, Senior Manager for Sustainability and External Relations at Zijin Golden Ridge Limited, expressed pride in partnering with the Chamber of Mines on this initiative, reflecting the company's commitment to broader social responsibilities. Mr Solomon Azubile, Birim North District Director of Education, praised the programme as a timely support to the Government's Free Sanitary Pad Distribution Programme, noting its role in reducing absenteeism and improving school participation among girls.
As part of the initiative, beneficiaries also received education on proper menstrual hygiene management, including the correct use and safe disposal of sanitary pads.