Atinka TV’s Embosuohemaa Ama Gyenfa Ofosu-Darkwah, known in real life as Martha Gyenfa Frimpong, has commended President John Dramani Mahama over the budgetary allocation into the supply of free sanitary pads for female students across the country.
The government announced a GHS 292.4 million allocation to provide free sanitary pads for female students in primary and secondary schools, a move aimed at addressing menstrual-related absenteeism and improving education for girls.
Presenting the 2025 Budget Statement in Parliament, Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson emphasized that many girls miss school due to lack of access to sanitary products, which affects their academic performance and future opportunities.
“We recognize the challenges young girls face during their menstrual periods, including missing school days due to a lack of proper sanitary materials. This initiative will ensure that no girl is left behind in their education due to a natural biological process,” Dr. Forson stated.
The initiative is expected to boost school attendance, improve academic performance, and reduce the stigma associated with menstruation.
Reacting to the development, Embosuohemaa who is also a Menstrual Health and Girl Child Advocate observed that for numerous young girls, the onset of monthly menstruation can be a source of embarrassment, often resulting in absenteeism in schools.
She observed that access to sanitary pads remains a significant challenge for many young girls of school-going age, as numerous households do not prioritize purchasing these essentials.
According to Embosuohemaa who is also a News Anchor on Atinka TV/FM, many households struggle to meet their basic needs, such as food, water, and shelter, making it difficult to purchase sanitary pads.
She was of the view that this phenomenon creates a cycle of disadvantage for young girls, hindering their educational journey and limiting their future prospects.
Again, she said some of these young girls fall prey to men who take advantage of their situation, sometimes resulting in teenage pregnancy.
“The Government of Ghana previously taxed sanitary pads with import duties and Value Added Tax (VAT). However, in November 2023, the government announced that it would remove these taxes on locally produced sanitary pads, which some believe is still not enough,” she noted.
” I would like to congratulate His Excellency John Dramani Mahama for fulfilling his campaign promise of providing free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools, an initiative aimed at tackling menstrual-related absenteeism and improving girls’ education,” she stated.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa
