The Ahafo Regional Minister, Hon. (Mrs.) Charity Gardiner, under the auspices of the Ahafo Regional Co-ordinating Council (AhRCC) and in partnership with Netcentric Campaigns and Municipal/District Assemblies marked a significant milestone on Tuesday, 17th June 2025, with the official launch of the 2025 Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration at the Catholic Pastoral and Social Centre in Goaso.
The event brought together a broad coalition of stakeholders, including officials from the Ghana Health Service, Ghana Education Service, the Local Government Service, traditional leaders, women’s groups, students/pupils and community actors.
The Launch was under the theme: “Together for a Period-Friendly World: Ensuring Period Dignity for All.”This year’s launch highlighted the urgent need for stronger menstrual health advocacy across the region and reaffirmed the collective commitment to dismantling taboos, improving access to menstrual products and ensuring no girl’s
education is disrupted due to her period.
In a welcome address, the Asunafo North Municipal Co-ordinating Director, Mr. Mohammed Yakubu Alhassan, on behalf of the Municipal Chief Executive, commended the dedication of AhRCC and Netcentric Campaigns, describing the event not just as a ceremony, but a rallying call for action. He noted that the gathering was about confronting the stigma and silence surrounding menstrual health and promoting inclusivity for all, especially the vulnerable and marginalized.
Mr. Jacob Adade Ntiamoah, the Regional Economic Planning Officer, emphasized the significance of the occasion, linking menstrual hygiene to public health, school retention and gender equality. He proudly highlighted that Ahafo remains the only region among Ghana’s 16 to implement a fully integrated Regional WASH Programme. According to him, all six districts in the Region operate under well-developed WASH Master Plans, adding that selected brilliant but needy students would be supported with essential school and hygiene items through the office of the Hon. Regional Minister.
Speaking on behalf of Netcentric Campaigns, Dr. Benjamin Agbemor praised the leadership of Hon. (Mrs.) Charity Gardiner, Ahafo Regional Minister, for championing menstrual health and inclusive development. In his words, the partnership represents a community-driven, well-coordinated approach, one that is changing lives and building a better future for all.Dr. Agbemor highlighted the interconnectedness of clean water, handwashing, and menstrual health as pillars for dignity and wellbeing. He urged all partners to continue speaking openly about menstruation, describing it as a natural and positive part of life. He emphasized that menstruation is not a problem; it is rather
a sign of good health.
Madam Faustina Naana Forson, District Education Director for Asunafo South, echoed the sentiment that menstrual hygiene is a core education and equity issue. She remarked that society can no longer ignore the link between menstruation and school attendance. She concluded by stating that integrating menstrual health into the broader WASH in Schools framework, would go a long way to change futures of ourchildren, particularly the girls.
From the health sector, Mr. Christian Abokyi, stressed that menstrual health is a public health priority, directly tied to reproductive wellbeing and national development. He outlined four focus areas of intervention:
• Community-based education
• School health collaborations
• Health facility readiness and
• Multi-stakeholder partnerships
These strategies, he explained, are essential to improving outcomes for adolescent girls and young women.
Hon. (Mrs.) Charity Gardiner, the Ahafo Regional Minister, delivered a passionate keynote address, reinforcing her lifelong dedication to advocating for girls and
women. Recalling her advocacy roots as a former Women’s Organizer of the governing party, she pledged to continue breaking barriers around menstrual health. Speaking directly to young girls in the audience, she encouraged them to embrace education and never allow menstruation to be a hindrance to thepursuit of their dreams.
Speaking on behalf of the Chiefs and People of Ahafo, and the Regional Coordinating Council, the Minister commended Netcentric Campaigns for
sponsoring the initiative and praised stakeholders for their dedication to social equity. She noted that despite affecting over half of Ghana’s population, menstruation is still shrouded in shame, misinformation and social exclusion.
As part of the regional initiative, over 5,000 sanitary pads, 5,000 exercise books, and 500 school bags will be distributed to schoolgirls across the region. The goal is to reduce absenteeism, promote gender equality in education and empower girls to manage their periods with confidence.
The Minister also referenced the national programme launched by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama to provide free sanitary pads to schoolgirls, aligning the regional efforts with broader national commitments.
Beyond the distribution of materials, the initiative will also include community education to challenge harmful myths and promote open conversations around menstruation. The Minister stressed that achieving a period-friendly region requires collective responsibility and bold action. She expressed gratitude to the Chief Director, Regional Economic Planning Officer, the WASH Team and all partners for organizing the event and driving meaningful change. With a strong message of hope and inclusion, the Hon. Regional Minister officially declared the 2025 Menstrual Hygiene Day Celebrations launched.
The event climaxed with the distribution of sanitary pads, school bags and exercise books to selected students from all six districts in the region. The gesture, a collaborative effort by AhRCC, Netcentric Campaigns and other stakeholders, aimed to reduce barriers to school attendance for menstruating girls.
The launch drew participation from a wide range of stakeholders, including traditional leaders, Hon. District Chief Executives, health professionals, education directors, development partners, parents, teachers, and students. Their presence underscored the region’s unified commitment to menstrual health equity and its broader vision for sustainable development.
