In a bold initiative to advance girls' education and promote menstrual health and dignity, President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the National Sanitary Pad Distribution Programme.

The programme will provide free sanitary pads to schoolgirls across the country, removing a major barrier to consistent school attendance.

The multi-sectoral programme, a collaborative effort between the Ministries of Education, Gender, Children and Social Protection, and Finance and Economic Planning, aligns with Ghana’s national development agenda and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 5, which focus on quality education and gender equality.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, President Mahama underscored the significance of the initiative in shaping a brighter future for Ghana’s young girls.

“This is not just a policy shift—it’s a message of hope,” the President said.

“A message to every girl in Ghana that she matters, her dreams matter, and her future is worth every investment we can make.”

He assured girls that the government sees them, values them, and stands firmly behind them.

He also addressed parents, emphasising that the programme is designed to ease the financial burden of providing sanitary products, while offering sustainable support.

President Mahama noted that the initiative will also have a ripple effect on schools, improving students' focus and self-esteem—an outcome that will positively impact teachers and the broader educational environment.

He further appealed to the private sector and traditional authorities to collaborate with the government in building local capacity for sanitary pad production, which will not only sustain the programme but also create employment opportunities for Ghanaians.