The Ghana Education Service (GES) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that no girl is denied education because of menstruation, using this year’s Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration to intensify awareness on menstrual health and hygiene management in schools.
The 2026 Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration, held at Okuapeman Senior High School in the Eastern Region under the theme, “Together for a Period Friendly Ghana,” brought together government officials, education stakeholders, development partners, students, traditional authorities, and other invited guests.
The event highlighted the importance of menstrual health education and the government’s ongoing distribution of free sanitary pads to menstrual-age schoolgirls across the country.
Speaking at the programme, the Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education Service in charge of Management Services, Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi, said menstruation should never become a barrier to quality education for girls.
Representing the Director-General of GES, she called for intensified public education, improved sanitation facilities, and collective efforts to eliminate the stigma often associated with menstruation.
“No girl should be denied quality education because of menstruation,” she stressed.
The Member of Parliament for Akuapim North, Sammi Awuku, noted that empowering girls through menstrual hygiene education and support systems was critical to improving school attendance, confidence, and academic performance.
He observed that addressing menstrual health challenges would help create a more inclusive learning environment for girls across the country.
The Eastern Regional Director of Education, Dr Mrs Ivy Asantewaa Owusu, described the creation of safe and supportive environments for girls as a shared responsibility and urged stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that promote menstrual health and dignity.
Representatives from development partners, including UNICEF, UNFPA, CONIWAS, and the World Bank, also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting menstrual hygiene education, improved water and sanitation facilities, and awareness creation in schools and communities.
A major highlight of the event was a cultural performance by students of the School for the Deaf, Mampong, which captivated participants and added colour to the celebration.
The commemoration formed part of efforts by GES and its partners to encourage open discussions on menstruation, reduce stigma, and ensure that girls can remain in school and participate fully in academic activities regardless of their menstrual cycle.
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