News
‘Access to sanitary products, clean facilities, proper information not luxury’
Access to sanitary products, clean facilities, and proper information is not a luxury but a right,” the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has said.
Dr Lartey explained that menstruation was a natural biological process and that no girl should be made to feel unworthy, excluded or ashamed because of it.
She said this in Accra last week when she addressed school girls drawn from selected basic and Senior High Schools (SHS) in the Greater Accra Region.
The event which was organised by Touching Lives of Girls Foundation International (TLGFI), a non-governmental organisation that focuses on promoting menstrual hygiene.
It formed part of activities to mark World Menstrual Hygiene Day (WMHD) which is observed on May 28 every year.
According to Dr Lartey, the theme for the year “Making menstruation a normal part of life by 2030,” was not just a call to action but a commitment to dignity, inclusion and equality.
She mentioned that the Ministry has harmonised and mainstreamed gender into social protection programmes and other governmental interventions to effectively support and protect the vulnerable and marginalised for national development.
“We are proud to stand at the forefront of efforts to improve menstrual hygiene management across Ghana and believe that ensuring access to menstrual products, accurate information and safe sanitary facility is not only a health issue but also a human right issue,” the Minister said.
She stated that menstruation was a natural and essential part of life and that it should never be a source of shame, stigma or fear.
She said in many communities, girls were forced to miss school, suffer in silence or use unsafe methods due to lack of access to sanitary products and information.
Dr Lartey mentioned the establishment of support systems to address sexual abuse, including the Ministry’s Orange Support Centre, the Buame App and dedicated free helplines to report abuse.
An Obstetrician Gynaecologist at St Dominic Hospital, Akwatia, Dr John Bosomtwe, also called for a more comprehensive and gender-sensitive approach to education and sanitation in schools, emphasising the crucial role that schools play in shaping the lives of young people, particularly girls.
He said schools need to go beyond academic instruction to provide an environment that nurtures and supports girls during their most vulnerable periods.
“Schools have a primary role of formation for all of us, especially the girls,” Dr Bosomtwe said. “We need to consider comprehensive education that addresses administration-related challenges in a way that is age-appropriate and sensitive to their needs.”
He commended the existing collaboration between schools and district health management teams under the School Health Programme (SHEP), describing it as a valuable framework that can be further explored and strengthened to benefit students.
Dr Bosomtwe stressed the importance of involving boys and male teachers in menstrual health education to foster empathy and support within the school environment.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
President John Dramani Mahama has held bilateral talks with the President of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, reaffirming the strong ties and shared values that continue to define relations between Ghana and South Korea.
During the discussions, President Mahama highlighted the historic connection between the two nations, noting their common commitment to democracy, human rights, and a shared historical experience.
He emphasised the opportunities for deeper cooperation, stating that Ghana’s rich natural and human resources, combined with Korea’s technological expertise and innovation, present a strong foundation for a mutually beneficial partnership.
The President also underscored Ghana’s strategic role within the African market through the African Continental Free Trade Area, whose secretariat is headquartered in Accra, positioning the country as a gateway for production and exports into a market of over 1.4 billion people.
President Lee Jae Myung, in his remarks, described Ghana as a country that holds a special place in the hearts of many Koreans, highlighting decades of cooperation in areas such as maritime security, trade, and agriculture.
He also reflected on the longstanding cultural and economic connection symbolised by the popular “Ghana” chocolate brand made from Ghanaian cocoa, which has been enjoyed in Korea for over five decades.
Both leaders expressed optimism about expanding people-to-people exchanges, cultural engagement, and economic collaboration, with President Lee noting that President Mahama’s visit provides a timely opportunity to deepen practical cooperation that will directly benefit the citizens of both nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed by the relevant authorities in the United Arab Emirates that two Ghanaian nationals sustained injuries following a drone incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport earlier today, March 11, 2026.
Against this backdrop, the Government of Ghana has strongly condemned any act that endangers civilian lives and critical infrastructure.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, March 11, such incidents pose serious risks to public safety and underscore the importance of ensuring the protection of civilians and vital international transport hubs.
Ghana’s Ambassador in the United Arab Emirates has led a delegation of the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate in Dubai to visit the two injured Ghanaians in hospital.
Their injuries are not critical and are expected to fully recover soon.
“We therefore urge calm as we continue to extend consular assistance and collaborate closely with host authorities,” the statement added.
The Ministry has revealed that they are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to engage with the appropriate authorities as required.
The Government of Ghana expresses its concern over the incident and conveys its thoughts to the injured individuals and their families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates the Government of Ghana’s commitment to the protection and welfare of Ghanaian citizens wherever they may be.
The Government of Ghana is actively supporting ongoing consultations within the UN to pass a resolution seeking a cessation of hostilities.
According to the Ministry they are offering the necessary leadership and coordination with Ghana’s diplomatic Missions and will provide updates on the matter as and when the need arises.
Government has reiterated its call for Nationals in the Gulf region to always exercise heightened vigilance and comply with directives from Ghanaian Embassies and local authorities.
