Kpando Dzewoe youth praise gov’t for GH¢292.4m sanitary pad allocation

Kpando Dzewoe Youth Foundation in the Volta Region has commended the government’s decision by allocating GH¢292.4 million for the distribution of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools.

Zikpuitor Frank Gledze, Chairman of the Foundation, described the move as a “significant step in breaking the cycle of shame and stigma surrounding menstruation.”

Zikpuitor Gledze expressed his support for the initiative, noting that it would greatly benefit the Kpando-Dzewoe community.

“Many young girls, particularly those from broken homes, struggle to afford sanitary pads each month. As a result, they often turn to their peers, who work in commercial motorcycle businesses, known locally as ‘Okada,’ for assistance,” he explained.

In 2022, the Kpando Dzewoe Youth Foundation launched the Pad Bank Project with support from the Kairos Rhema Ministry and Foundation. The initiative provided 750 sanitary pads to girls in need, to replenish them monthly through community contributions.

However, the foundation encountered difficulties in replenishing the pads.

With the announcement of the government’s GH¢292.4 million allocation for free sanitary pad distribution, the foundation’s leadership is hopeful that this funding will provide much-needed relief for their community’s Pad Bank Project.

The foundation has called for effective utilisation of the funds to ensure the initiative reaches its intended recipients. Additionally, they are advocating for a reduction in import duties on sanitary pads, which would lower the cost of these essential products and make them more accessible to young girls across the country.

Through the Pad Bank Project, they remain committed to empowering young girls, breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation, and fostering a brighter future for generations to come.

Reading the 2025 budget in Parliament on Tuesday, March 11, the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson said “We have allocated an amount of 292.4 million Ghana cedis to commence the distribution of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools.”

Source: myjoyonline.com