GES distributes over 6.6 million sanitary pads to schoolgirls nationwide

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has distributed over 6.6 million sanitary pads to schoolgirls nationwide to mark the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child.

In a statement issued on October 11, 2025, and signed by the Head of Public Relations, Daniel Fenyi, GES said the initiative was part of ongoing efforts to promote the welfare and dignity of girls in schools.

“As part of efforts to promote the welfare and dignity of girls, Management announces the distribution of 6,607,095 sanitary pads to school girls across all 16 regions of the country,” the statement read.

The initiative, according to GES, is designed to address menstrual hygiene challenges and ensure that “no girl misses school during her menstrual period.”

Mr. Fenyi emphasized that the intervention was in fulfillment of the Government of Ghana’s promise to provide free sanitary pads to schoolgirls “from basic to second cycle, on a monthly basis throughout their life in school.”

He said the initiative “reflects the government’s commitment to improving menstrual hygiene, promoting gender equality in education, and safeguarding the health and confidence of adolescent girls.”

The statement further noted that the GES remains committed to supporting girls’ education and ensuring that schools remain safe and inclusive spaces for learning.

“The Ghana Education Service assures all schoolgirls of its continuous support and reiterates its dedication to building an education system that is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of every learner,” it said.

The Service also urged girls to “stay focused on their studies and take full advantage of the opportunities provided to them.”

Mr. Fenyi expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education for its role in executing the nationwide distribution.

“The GES extends heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Education for the tireless efforts in operationalising this important life-changing initiative for schoolgirls across the country,” he added.

This compliments the government’s National Free Sanitary Pad Programme which was launched by President John Dramani Mahama on 24th April 2025, in Accra.

Among others, the programme seeks to ensure that no girl misses school because of a menstrual period and reduce period-related school absenteeism, especially among vulnerable and rural communities.