Accra: Stakeholders at an event to commemorate the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day have called for a menstrual period-friendly Ghana, stressing that menstrual health is critical to girls' dignity, education, health, and future opportunities.
According to Ghana News Agency, the call was made at Okuapemman School in Akropong-Akuapem during the national observance of the day, held under the theme: 'Together for a Period-Friendly Ghana.' The event brought together government officials, development partners, educators, and students to promote menstrual health as a matter of human dignity, public health, and educational equity.
It was organised by the National Technical Committee on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), comprising the Ministries of Education, Gender, Sanitation, and Health, with support from UNICEF, UNFPA, the World Bank, World Vision Ghana, WaterAid Ghana, Global Communities, and Plan International Ghana. Addressing participants on behalf of the Minister of Tourism and the Government, Mr. John Evans Kumordzi, Municipal Chief Executive for Akuapem North, described menstrual hygiene as a national development issue requiring collective action.
Mr. Kumordzi emphasized that menstrual hygiene was not solely a women's issue but one linked to human dignity, public health, and educational opportunity. He stated, "Every girl deserves the opportunity to attend school confidently, without fear of stigma, embarrassment, or discrimination because of a natural biological process." He further noted that empowering girls ultimately strengthened families, communities, and national development.
Professor Smile Gavua Dzisi, the Deputy Director-General in charge of Management Services at the Ghana Education Service (GES), reaffirmed the Service's commitment to ensuring that no girl missed school because of menstruation. She praised the Government's sanitary pad distribution initiative as a significant step towards improving girls' educational outcomes and wellbeing. Professor Dzisi also commended the active participation of boys in the programme, describing menstrual health as a shared responsibility.
Mr. Sammy Awuku, Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, expressed his commitment to championing issues affecting girls and young women, highlighting that menstruation should never be treated as a source of shame. He warned that period poverty and stigma could deprive the country of future talent and leadership if left unaddressed. The event concluded with a renewed call for collective action to eliminate period poverty and menstrual stigma, with stakeholders emphasizing the importance of a period-friendly Ghana to protect girls' dignity, improve educational outcomes, and enable them to realize their full potential.