“This is not only a sanitation issue, but one of dignity, education and sustainability. We are committed to creating a learning environment that supports the health and well-being of every child, especially girls,” the Minister stated.

Mr Iddrisu stated this at a strategic meeting held with the Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Dr Wilfred Ochan, aimed at strengthening ongoing collaboration between the ministry and UNFPA. 

He assured his counterpart that the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection, would establish a special task force to educate girls on safe and hygienic methods of disposing of sanitary pads after use.

The task force is expected to recommend and implement sustainable solutions that align with both public health standards and environmental protection goals.

“We acknowledge and appreciate the valuable support the UNFPA has provided over the years, and the continued partnership your office extends to the ministry. We look forward to further collaboration to strengthen our bilateral ties.

“On health, the ministry would be pleased to partner with the UNFPA to organise a health screening initiative, specifically targeting anaemia,” he said.

Mr Iddrisu added that in the area of digital education, the ministry was eager to work with the UNFPA to pilot digital learning in selected schools such as St. Francis of Assisi, Holy Child Senior High School and Aburi Girls’ Senior High School.

For his part, Dr Ochan welcomed the move and emphasised the need for the education sector leadership to address menstrual hygiene challenges in a way that supports environmental conservation.

The meeting also explored broader efforts to advance health and well-being education in schools.

Both parties discussed developing comprehensive programmes to equip children with knowledge of personal hygiene, reproductive health, and responsible environmental practices.

The ministry and UNFPA pledged to continue working together to promote inclusive education policies that ensure no child is left behind due to health-related barriers.

On April 24, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama launched the Free Sanitary Pad for Girls in Schools initiative at the SDA cluster of schools park at Mamprobi in Accra.

The event with the theme: “Improving menstrual health and hygiene for girls for quality education”, was aimed at providing free sanitary pads to two million girls in public basic and second-cycle schools.

The decision is to ensure that no girl in Ghana will be absent from school because of their menstrual period.