Plan International Ghana hails GHS292m gov’t commitment to address  menstrual poverty

Plan International Ghana has praised the Government of Ghana for taking a decisive step to address menstrual poverty by allocating GHS292.4 million in the 2025 budget to provide free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools.

The organization describes the move as “bold and transformative,” saying it marks a historic milestone in the fight for gender equality and menstrual dignity.

The initiative also fulfils a key pledge in  President John Dramani Mahama’s 2024 manifesto, signalling strong political will to tackle one of the most overlooked barriers to girls’ education and well-being.

“For too long, menstrual poverty has been an invisible crisis silently keeping girls out of school and exposing them to unsafe practices,” said Constant Tchona, Country Director of Plan International Ghana. “This investment will change lives.”

In a press release issued by Plan International Ghana and signed by Country Director Constant Tchona, the organization described the initiative as a major victory for every girl in Ghana. “We look forward to working with the government and partners to ensure that no girl is left behind because of her period.”

Across Ghana, thousands of girls—especially in rural and underserved communities—miss school during their menstrual periods due to lack of access to sanitary products.

Many are forced to resort to unsafe alternatives like rags and leaves, which pose serious health risks and can expose them to exploitation. Plan International warns that this situation has contributed to school absenteeism and in some cases, abuse.

“This initiative is not just about pads—it’s about protecting girls’ health, dignity, and right to education,” Tchona emphasized.

Plan International Ghana has been at the forefront of efforts to combat menstrual poverty. Through nationwide projects like SHE Leads, Be Smart Learn and Stay Protected, and IPADEV, the organization has distributed over 150,000 disposable and reusable sanitary pads to vulnerable girls, trained women to produce reusable products, and championed policy advocacy, including the removal of taxes on menstrual hygiene products.

Their alumni network also spearheaded the “No Pad Tax Campaign”—gathering over 1,000 signatures to demand fairer policies and organizing high-level dialogues to influence national action.

The organization applauded additional government efforts such as the proposed VAT removal on menstrual products, import duty waivers for raw materials, and support from Parliament, including the Speaker’s recent public condemnation of taxes on pads and a private member’s bill introduced by MP Francis-Xavier Sosu.

While celebrating the new budget allocation, Plan International Ghana is urging authorities to ensure effective and inclusive implementation, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas. They are also calling for sustained investment in menstrual health education and improved sanitation facilities in schools.

Below is the full statement 

PLAN INTERNATIONAL GHANA PRESS RELEASE ON SRHR INTERVENTION BY GOV’T