CSOs on SDGs commend gov’t on free sanitary pads policy

The Ghana CSOs Platform on the Sustainable Development Goals has expressed strong support for the government’s decision to provide free sanitary pads to girls in basic and senior high schools (SHSs).

In a statement, the CSOs recognized that this initiative will help address period poverty, reduce absenteeism among schoolgirls, and ensure that no girl’s education is hindered due to the lack of menstrual hygiene products.

However, they raised concerns over the exclusion of girls in apprenticeships, who may also be facing menstrual poverty, from benefiting from the free distribution.

“While we celebrate this initiative and its positive impact on girls’ attendance, academic performance, and the reduction of school dropouts, teenage pregnancy, and sexual and gender-based violence, we also note that a significant group of girls are likely to be left out,” part of the statement read.

The CSOs pointed out that girls in apprenticeships and those out of school may not benefit from the initiative and called for an efficient strategy to include these groups to ensure full inclusion.

During the 2025 budget presentation, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced an allocation of GH₵292.4 million for the provision of free sanitary pads. He also highlighted significant tax waivers on locally produced menstrual hygiene products.