Editorial
Let’s supply sanitary pads to keep girls in school
It is crucial to practise proper menstrual hygiene since it makes girls feel at ease at school and helps to prevent infection and odour.
Unfortunately, because of poverty, many girls, especially those in rural communities, cannot afford to use sanitary pads, and as a result, they skip school during their periods, which eventually has an impact on their performance.
According to a report, some females even use unwanted materials at this time, endangering their health.
There is still more that can be done to support many girls, despite numerous interventions by civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), philanthropists, churches, and other advocacy groups in the form of free sanitary pads donated to schools.
Recently, there have been requests for the government to reduce sanitary pad tariffs, but some have contended that doing so will affect the operations of local sanitary pad producers.
Local firms should be encouraged to acquire the prerequisites to make sanitary pads locally rather than relying on imports. This will increase local businesses’ output, produce jobs for young people, and bring in money for the government.
The Spectator applauds individuals who have been providing sanitary pads to schools and educating young girls about menstrual hygiene, especially in the weeks leading up to Menstrual Hygiene Day observed on May 28 each year to ensure that girls are fully equipped to manage their menstruation.
The Spectator is making a plea to other organisations to prioritise providing sanitary pads to schools in order to help young girls, particularly those living in rural communities, continue their education and fully engage in other social activities.
We also implore local manufacturers and importers of sanitary products to make it a mission to regularly contribute a portion of their goods to schools for use by girls as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts in partnership with the Ghana Education Service (GES).
We hope that the donation would be made frequently not just once, to help girls in both urban and rural locations.
To assist the girls change regularly when menstruating, it is also vital to provide clean washrooms and prioritise the supply of water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities (WASH) in schools.
The Spectator hopes that these initiatives would encourage girls to stay in school, concentrate on their education, and improve their performance in order to prepare for a better future, thereby closing the gender gap that gender experts have been urging for.
Dear Editor,
I WRITE to draw the attention of NADMO and other related agencies to the recent prediction by the Ghana Meteorological Agency to expect a lot of rains this year, especially in the Southern sector of the country.
GMet issued the forecast to provide an early warning to protect lives and property.
Interestingly, the Southern sector happens to be one of the many trouble spots in the country when the rains start.
It predicted the season to start in March and continue until July or August with above-normal rainfall along the eastern coast and nearby inland areas, including Accra, Tema, Cape Coast, Saltpond, Asamankese, Akim Oda, Koforidua, and Kade.
Knowing the problems faced as a country, concerns have been raised in certain quarters about the aftermath flooding problems in low-lying areas.
These concerns are well placed because flooding has become an annual ritual associated with the season.
My appeal goes to NADMO as well as the district and metropolitan assemblies. They are responsible for activities before and after the season.
As we prepare, they must spearhead the campaign to desilt the drainages in order for water to flow freely.
The citizenry must also show some sense of responsibility by desisting from throwing rubbish into gutters to block the free flow of water.
Noah Musa,
Adabraka
Dear Editor,
I WOULD like to express my views on why some people abuse leaders on social media platforms.
In recent times, social media has become a powerful tool for communication and expression. Unfortunately, many people misuse this freedom by insulting and abusing leaders instead of engaging in constructive criticism.
One major reason for this behaviour is frustration. When citizens feel ignored, unemployed, or affected by poor policies, they sometimes turn their anger toward leaders online.
Another reason is anonymity. Social media allows users to hide behind fake names and profiles, which gives them the confidence to say things they would not dare say in public. This lack of accountability encourages abusive language and disrespectful comments.
Ignorance and misinformation also play a role. Some people abuse leaders based on false news or rumours without verifying facts. This leads to unnecessary attacks that can damage reputations and create tension in society.
While leaders should be held accountable, abuse and insults do not solve problems. Too many people are finding social media platforms as homes to hide and churn out untruths that goes a long way to damage the image and credibility of the victims.
Constructive criticism, dialogue, and lawful channels are better ways to express dissatisfaction. Citizens must remember that respect is essential for national unity and development.
I hope this letter will encourage people to use social media responsibly and promote respectful communication.
Eugene Ampiaw,
Takoradi
