Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister of Finance, has stated that the government has earmarked Gh¢292.4 million to begin distributing free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools.
itrotronews.com
Presenting the 2025 Financial Budget to Parliament, he noted that the effort is part of the “Free Sanitary Pads” program, which provides financial assistance to first-year students at public higher institutions.
“We have allocated Gh¢292.4 million to commence the distribution of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools” , he reported.
The distribution of free sanitary pads fulfills President John Dramani Mahama’s 2024 platform promise to support girls in basic and senior high schools. The campaign attempts to address menstrual hygiene issues and reduce female student absence.
Mahama’s vow comes amid widespread calls to remove import charges on sanitary pads in order to make them more affordable.
“To reduce absenteeism, free sanitary pads will be provided to female students from Primary 5 to SHS beginning in March 2025,” Mahama announced in his inaugural State of the Nation address.
This project is part of broader attempts to reduce Ghanaians’ financial burdens in the face of present economic woes.
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