The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the Akufo-Addo-led government, stating that the high cost of sanitary pads made menstruation a “crime” for many women in Ghana. According to Confidence Etse Adzrakor, NDC Communicator for Tema West Constituency, the unaffordability of sanitary pads had far-reaching implications for women’s health and dignity.
“Many female students were forced to miss school during their menstrual cycles due to the inability to afford sanitary pads,” he said.
Adzrakor made these comments while appearing on Plan B FM’s late afternoon political show, Ɛbaa No Sɛn with host Ohene Kinnah.
He contrasted this with the NDC’s flagship policy under former President John Dramani Mahama, which provided free sanitary pads to schoolgirls. “With the visionary and empathetic President John Dramani Mahama, pads are now distributed freely to the girl child in schools, making schooling easier than it was under the previous administration,” he stated.
The NDC’s free sanitary pad initiative aimed to improve girls’ attendance and retention rates in schools, particularly in rural areas. The party claims this policy has yielded positive results and promises to continue prioritising girls’ education and menstrual health if returned to power.
According to UNESCO, menstrual hygiene management is crucial for girls’ education, with approximately one in 10 girls in Ghana missing school during their menstrual periods.
“I had to stay home every month because my parents couldn’t afford pads,” said Ama, a 14-year-old student. “But when the NDC distributed free pads, it was a game-changer. I could focus on my studies without worrying about my period.”
Experts agree that providing free sanitary pads can significantly improve girls’ education outcomes. “Menstrual health is a critical aspect of girls’ education,” said Dr Akua Asare, a gender expert. “By providing free sanitary pads, we can reduce absenteeism, improve retention rates, and empower girls to reach their full potential.”
Reacting to this, Enoch Afful, NPP Communicator and national communication team member for Kennedy Agyapong’s presidential bid, said the NDC’s claims were hypocritical.
“I had no problem with their win, but per their earlier criticisms on taxes introduced by the Akufo-Addo government, they have done more than before,” he said.
“Dr Cassiel Ato Forson condemned the 1% E-Levy introduced by the NPP, only to introduce a GH₵1 Energy Sector Levy (ESL) on every litre of petroleum products, which is wickedness,” he added.
The NPP’s Enoch Afful described the NDC’s move as “wickedness” because, in his view, it would further burden Ghanaians with increased fuel prices, affecting livelihoods and economic stability.
By: Longman/Planbfmonline.com
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