Sanitary pads are being distributed to schools for free
The Ministry of Education has ordered a comprehensive audit of sanitary pads distributed under the government’s Free Sanitary Pad Initiative due to complaints that some pads supplied in 2025 were of poor quality.
The audit aims to ensure students’ safety, adherence to standards, and value for government spending.
The Consumer Protection Agency raised concerns that some pads distributed to schools did not meet acceptable standards.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, announced that a team of auditors have been tasked to review the quality of sanitary pads received by schoolgirls in 2026.
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“I asked a team of auditors to go around the schools and do an audit of the quality of some of the sanitary pads that were supplied, because I received concerns from the Consumer Protection Agency of Ghana as to some poor quality of some of the sanitary pads that were supplied last year,” he explained.
Haruna Iddrisu said he is reviewing the assessment report and will advise the government on the next appropriate steps.
“I’m now evaluating the report of the assessment, and I would advise government on whether and how to deal with it into the future,” he said.
Haruna Iddrisu further urged the companies awarded contracts under the initiative to ensure value for money.
“We want any company that wins a bid to be mindful of minimum standards, produce quality products, and avoid supplying anything that can embarrass the government, the user, or the student,” he said.
Government to launch free sanitary pads distribution initiative for female students
The Free Sanitary Pad Distribution Programme was launched by President John Dramani Mahama in April 2025 to provide free pads to girls from Primary 5 through senior high school nationwide.
The initiative seeks to promote gender equality and reduce absenteeism caused by lack of menstrual hygiene products.
JKB/AE
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