Hundreds of schoolgirls in Ghana's Ekumfi District received free sanitary pads and exercise books on Wednesday, May 29, 2026. Local queen mothers and the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ekumfi, Dr. Ekow Othniel Kwainoe, organized the event. The outreach took place at Aboano to mark World Menstrual Hygiene Day.
This important event combined the distribution of vital sanitary products with essential education on menstrual hygiene and reproductive health. Stella Opoku, a nursing officer from the Ekumfi District Health Directorate, led the health education sessions. She provided practical guidance to the students. Girls learned about proper pad use and disposal. They also learned about maintaining personal cleanliness during menstruation. Tracking menstrual cycles was another key topic covered.
The initiative addresses a significant economic and social challenge in Ghana. Period poverty, where girls cannot afford menstrual products, forces many to miss school. This impacts their education and future prospects. The Ekumfi District struggled with high teenage pregnancy rates years ago. Nana Ama Benyiwa VI, Paramount Queen Mother of the Ekumfi Traditional Council, stated that ignorance and poverty pushed girls out of school. She believes focused awareness programs have helped reduce these rates. Girls' education remains central to her vision for Ekumfi.
Nana Ama Benyiwa VI thanked Dr. Ekow Othniel Kwainoe and other citizens for their financial and logistical support. The MP's speech, read by the Ekumfi District Chief Executive, Ishmael Nana Asamoah, highlighted the national scope of the problem. Dr. Kwainoe expressed concern that many girls across Ghana cannot afford sanitary pads. This leads to missed school days. It also causes girls to use unsafe alternatives. These alternatives can result in infections and serious health issues. He noted that financial hardship can push vulnerable girls into exploitative relationships seeking money for hygiene products.
Such exploitation contributes to teenage pregnancy and school dropout. It also causes emotional trauma and ruins promising futures. The event underscored the link between menstrual poverty and teenage pregnancy. Many girls depend on older men for basic needs. Dr. Kwainoe urged parents and guardians to support their daughters. He also called on teachers and health professionals to conduct regular educational programs. These programs should equip girls with knowledge on menstrual hygiene and reproductive health. Several other queen mothers attended the distribution, showing strong traditional support for social interventions.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed globally on May 28, aims to break taboos. It promotes access to menstrual products and ensures safe, dignified periods for all girls. This event in Ekumfi demonstrates a concrete step towards these goals. The distribution of sanitary pads and books has a direct impact on the girls' well-being and educational continuity. The focus on education ensures long-term benefits beyond immediate product provision.