CSOs commend free sanitary pad initiative

The Ghana CSOs Platform on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has commended the government’s decision to allocate GH¢ 292.4 million in the 2025 budget for the provision of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools.

However, the platform has urged the government to adopt a more inclusive approach to ensure that all vulnerable girls, including those in apprenticeship and those out of school, also benefit from the initiative.

Platform

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Levlyn Konadu Asiedu, the platform described the policy as a “commendable and necessary step” toward tackling period poverty, reducing absenteeism among schoolgirls and preventing school dropouts.

It noted that access to sanitary pads could help improve academic performance while reducing the risks of teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence.

Despite these benefits, the group pointed out that many schools still lacked proper water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, making it difficult for girls to manage their menstruation comfortably.

It, therefore, called on the government to prioritise the construction of gender-sensitive WASH facilities in schools, including private changing areas, disposal bins and running water.

The CSOs platform also highlighted concerns over the implementation of tax waivers on locally manufactured sanitary pads.

Although the government removed Value Added Tax (VAT) on these products in the 2024 budget to enhance affordability, the group’s market survey revealed that VAT was still being charged sporadically, and prices remained relatively high.

It called on the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to enforce the tax exemption effectively to ensure that young women and girls experienced its full benefits.

Recommendations

To sustain the free sanitary pad initiative, the platform recommended the establishment of a multi-year funding mechanism backed by a dedicated funding source and a transparent distribution strategy.

It proposed an oversight implementation committee comprising civil society organisations, gender activists, educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to ensure accountability and inclusivity.

Additionally, the group urged the government to collaborate with local manufacturers to ensure a steady supply of sanitary products nationwide.

It suggested that the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) should intensify efforts to attract sustainable foreign direct investment into the sector to boost local production and enhance competitiveness.

The statement emphasised that ensuring access to sanitary products aligned with the country’s commitment to achieving key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

“We urge the government to act decisively to ensure that all girls, regardless of their economic background, can manage their menstruation with dignity and without barriers to education, health and other opportunities,” the statement concluded.