Ghana Bank Gives 10,000 Sanitary Pads to Keep Girls in School

Thousands of high school girls in Ghana just got the support they need to stay in class every day of the month.

Development Bank Ghana distributed 10,000 sanitary pads to students across four regions: Northern, Upper East, Ashanti, and Greater Accra. The initiative, timed with World Menstrual Hygiene Day, addresses a problem that keeps many girls home during their periods.

Barbara Anawonu Wriketts, who heads corporate social responsibility at the bank, led teams to schools including Tepa Senior High School in Ashanti Region. The visits weren't just about handing out supplies but educating students about menstrual health and proper hygiene practices.

"Providing young girls the needed education about their menstrual cycle would enable them to avoid acts that could derail their future," Wriketts explained. She emphasized that menstruation isn't only a health issue but directly affects whether girls can access education.

The problem runs deeper than many realize. Helen Baffoe Adentwi, Senior Housemistress at Tepa SHS, noted that stigma causes some students to skip classes during their periods. Others stay home due to abdominal pain or lack of proper supplies.

Before government programs introduced free sanitary pads, some girls used toilet paper during their periods. That's neither hygienic nor effective for staying in school all day.

Missing school several days every month adds up quickly. Those absences create gaps in learning that can derail academic progress and future opportunities.

The Ripple Effect

When girls stay in school consistently, the benefits multiply beyond individual classrooms. Educated women contribute more to their communities and economies, breaking cycles of poverty that can span generations.

The bank's approach combines immediate practical help with longer-term education. Students learned about maintaining confidence during their periods and avoiding risky behaviors that could jeopardize their futures.

Adentwi praised both the government's free pad program and the bank's contribution, calling on more stakeholders to protect girls' education. When young women can focus on learning instead of worrying about their periods, everyone benefits.

This initiative shows how addressing basic needs opens doors to bigger possibilities for thousands of students.