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The Chief of Asiakwa Daasebre Doctor, who is well-known as the Nifahene of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, Daasebre (Dr) Twum Ampofo ll, has reaffirmed his commitment to education by adopting over 60 Junior High School students in Asikwa community and it evirons, initiative aligns with the year action plans however, demonstrates his dedication to supporting the educational development of young people in his community.
In a significant gesture, he partnered with Positive Period NGO to distribute sanitary pads, wipes, and soup to female students within his jurisdiction, addressing a critical need during their menstrual periods.
This initiative was launched during the inaugural ceremony of the first session of 2025 Akwasidae festival celebrated by the nifa division of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area in Asiakwa and will continue on a monthly basis, coinciding with the Akwasi Ade festival celebrations, till the end of the year.
Prior to the distribution, the beneficiary schools, earlier in a day-long workshop, organized by the Chief in collaboration with Nana Fofi Afia,Nkɔsoɔhemaa 1 ( Development Queen Mother) Asiakwa, educated the student body on reproductive health and hygiene.
The informative session dubbed “Positive Period” aimed at empowering students with vital knowledge on menstrual health, personal hygiene, and early detection techniques, fostering a better understanding of their reproductive health and wellbeing.
Some beneficiary schools include, Asiakwa Presby JHS, Asiakwa Roman Catholic school, Salvation Army, Blessed Way Mountain Zorray and many others, however aims to break the stigma surrounding menstruation and ensure that young girls have access to the necessary resources to manage their periods with dignity.
Addressing the gathering during the presentation of the Akwasidae celebrations, the Chief of Asiakwa and Nifahene of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, Daasebre (Dr) Twum Ampofo ll, noted that sanitary pads go beyond personal hygiene, playing a vital role in girls’ education, however providing them, girls can attend school without interruptions, feel confident and focused on their studies, and overcome the stigma and discomfort associated with menstruation.
Their donation of sanitary pads among other items to students is a thoughtful gesture that will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the lives of many young girls in the Asiakwa catchment area.
As part of his action plan, Daasebre (Dr) Twum-Ampofo has sounded the alarm on illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, near river bodies in Asiakwa.
He has also taken a strong stance against individuals who engage in destructive farming practices, cultivating diverse crops, including those featuring gold, in a manner that harms the environment.
The action of the move aims to address the devastating impact of galamsey on the environment, including deforestation, water pollution, and disruption of sustainable farming practices.
He set the record straight regarding the water crisis in Asiakwa, Contrary to popular belief, he attributes the community’s reliance on pure water for domestic activities not to illegal mining activities, but to the severe water shortage caused by climate change.
He pointed out that, numerous mechanized boreholes in the area have inadvertently worsened the water shortage.
Daasebre Twum-Ampofo reassured the community that he will work to provide additional boreholes with the support of local citizens, ensuring a more sustainable solution to the water crisis, adding that, the initiative is a crucial step in addressing the water scarcity issue in Asiakwa, which is a pressing concern in many parts of Ghana.
According to him, per his research climate change has significantly negative impacted water resources in Ghana, leading to dwindling water supplies and affecting the socio-economic livelihoods of communities.
He issued a heartfelt appeal to citizens, stakeholders, and particularly those living abroad to contribute to the community’s growth and enhance its reputation.
He said supporting community development initiatives, individuals can play a vital role in improving the lives of Asiakwa’s residents, and in a collaborative approach citizens can help address pressing challenges, foster economic growth, and promote a positive image of the community, however, working together, Asiakwa can unlock its full potential and create a brighter future for generations to come.
In an exclusive interview with journalist following the program, Nana Fofi Afia,Nkɔsoɔhemaa 1 ( Development Queen Mother) of Asiakwa community, expressed her sincere appreciation to her Netherlands-based partner for their unwavering support, adding that the partnership has been instrumental in addressing the challenges faced by young girls in the area, and underscores the significant impact of collaborative efforts in driving positive change.
Nana Fofi Afia elaborated on the theme “Positive Period”, emphasizing its dual objective: to dismantle the stigma and taboos surrounding menstruation, and to champion menstrual hygiene management as an essential component of healthcare and wellbeing for students.
She reiterated that, supporting Dr Twum-Ampofo II initiative by distributing the pads will go a long way to promotes self-care, self-respect, and empowerment for women and girls, helping to break down harmful taboos and stigmas surrounding menstruation.
By addressing the root causes of menstrual stigma, Nana Fofi Afia called on parents and like-minded individuals to help create a brighter future for women and girls worldwide.
She entreated them to focus and Keep their selves clean during menstruation,disposing of pads safel, avoiding harmful practices like using old, torn clothes that can lead to infections, adding that, the should regularly changed.
She also champion for girls’ education and empowerment and of the believes that girls have the fundamental right to study well and pursue education to the highest level, without settling for mediocrity.
Speaking to journalist in an interview, Elizabeth Tei, a teacher from Asiakwa Roman Catholic basic school also highlighted on a critical issue with many girls cannot afford sanitary pads, leading to absenteeism and dropout which to this effect not only affects their education but also perpetuates gender inequality.
According to her by addressing menstrual hygiene issues, the students can help ensure that girls stay in school and reach their full potential.
Meanwhile a madam Julia Nolst Trenite, Citizens of Asiakwa living in Desporal, Netherlands have rallied behind their Chief’s call for support, pledging to contribute two mechanized boreholes to the community’s development projects outlined in the Chief’s action plan for the year as a key focus in the area hence addressing the acute water crisis in the area,
Scripted by Paul Manyo.
