Ghana Manganese Initiative Boosts Menstrual Health Education in Akyem School

Headmistress Stephanie Imbeah expressed profound gratitude for the initiative. "We thank them so much for bringing World Menstrual Hygiene Day to our school and learners," she stated. Highlighting a critical knowledge gap, Imbeah noted, "Some of the pupils lack the knowledge of menstruation." She emphasized the long-term impact: "We pray that with the knowledge they have received, they will be able to go through their menstrual cycle with ease and hygiene."

The program directly addressed practical needs and health concerns. A student representative shared her appreciation with news teams, specifically thanking the Manganese Ladies for distributing free sanitary pads and educating pupils on personal hygiene and proper pad usage. "We are happy for this free pad distribution," the student said, revealing a stark reality. "Some of the school pupils use unhygienic things when they are in their period, which can lead to infections, as we have been taught today."

The initiative was lauded by community leadership. Ntotowahene of Wassa Akyem Opedom, Kofi Amo I, commended GMC and the Manganese Ladies for collaborating to bring essential education to the community's youth. He directly linked the intervention to economic hardship: "Due to poverty and sometimes hardship, some parents are not able to provide sanitary pads for their children." The Ntotowahene stressed the importance of sustainability: "With Manganese Ladies coming to their aid, it will help them go through their cycle without hindrance... I pray that this will not be a one-off thing but an annual thing to help prevent young girls begging for money to buy sanitary pads."

Cynthia Kwaadu, Secretary of the Manganese Ladies Association, confirmed their ongoing commitment. "Every year, the association has committed to educating young girls in our catchment communities on personal hygiene, especially during their periods, and also distributing free sanitary pads to them," Kwaadu stated. She outlined an ambitious expansion plan: "From Akyem, we will go to Tarkwa Banso, Ayinase, Domeabra, Esuoso, and Bonsawire. We aim to distribute over a thousand sanitary pads to all students within these catchment communities."

Kwaadu underscored the core mission: combating period-related absenteeism and stigma. "We want to encourage the girls not to be absent from school because of menstruation," she urged. "Rather, understand that menstruation is part of life, something every woman has to go through, and nothing they should be shy of. It is the right of every girl or woman to go through menstruation."

The event at Akyem Emmanuel Methodist School marks a significant step in promoting menstrual health, hygiene, and dignity for young girls in the Tarkwa Nsuaem municipality, addressing both immediate needs and the broader challenges of access and education.

Source: Nana Esi Brew Monney

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