The government has been urged to take urgent steps toward providing a safe and supportive environment for menstruating girls to ensure proper personal hygiene and promote school attendance.

Sarah Nkansah Boateng, a midwife at the Eastern Regional Hospital made the call during a forum organised as part of activities to observe Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration in the New Juaben North Municipality of the East­ern Region.

The event was held under the theme “Together for a Period-Friendly World.”

She noted that many girls skip school during their menstrual periods due to a lack of access to sanitary products and appropriate spaces to change them.

“The basic necessities for these girls are not being provided; creating a safe and enabling environment is cru­cial,” Madam Boateng emphasized.

She called on school authorities and policymakers to prioritise the construction of hygienic and private changing spaces in schools.

She further appealed for a col­lective effort to address menstrual health challenges affecting girls in the community.

The New Juaben North Municipal Director of Health Services, Nana Yaa Konadu, also highlighted her office’s initiatives in both school-based and community clinics to educate young girls on menstrual hygiene.

She stressed the health implications of poor menstrual hygiene, saying, “When girls lack access to sanitary pads and a clean environment, it can negatively impact their reproductive health.”

Madam Konadu warned that the ab­sence of menstrual hygiene facilities and products left some girls vulnera­ble to exploitation, increasing the risk of teenage pregnancy.

The Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben North, Mr Samuel Adongo, described menstruation as a natural biological process and not a taboo or burden.

He expressed concern over the poor state of sanitation facilities in schools.

“I have visited almost all public schools in the municipality, and none has a proper, standard toilet facility suitable for girls,” he stated.

Mr Adongo assured that the assem­bly would work to create an enabling environment to reduce school absen­teeism related to menstruation.

“Too many girls are missing school because of their menstrual cycle, and this is unacceptable,” he added.

 From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua

As the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) prepares for its national elections, two of the key contenders, General Secretary Aspi­rant Akwasi Agyeman and Vice Presidential hopeful Rebecca Ekpe have called for a return to ethical journalism, stronger mentorship and institutional reforms.

They both made the remarks during separate visits to The Spectator and The Ghanaian Times, respectively to solicit for votes.

Akwasi Agyeman, an Editor with Multimedia is seeking to lead the association into what he calls a “new era of purpose and professionalism.”

He stressed the urgent need to reposition the GJA as a strong and relevant voice in national affairs.

“We cannot continue with business as usual. The GJA must be visible, active, and fearless in advocating for the rights and welfare of journal­ists,” he said during a meeting with media practi­tioners in Accra.

Mr. Agyeman noted that his leadership will focus on building partnerships, improving member ser­vices, and restoring the dignity of the Association. “We need to rekindle the spirit of solidarity within the GJA and provide real value to members, espe­cially the younger generation,” he added.

Ms Rebecca Ekpe, a respect­ed Broadcast Journalist and Ed­itor, echoed similar sentiments in her call for mentorship and capacity building.

“I discovered through my journey that journalism is not just my job, it is who I am. My path in journalism was shaped by my seniors in the newsroom, and now I feel called to give back,” she said.

Ms Ekpe envisions a GJA where senior journalists reg­ularly engage with young pro­fessionals through face-to-face mentoring and training plat­forms. “Even if you attend a session and pick just one idea, it could change the course of your career,” she remarked.

She also raised concerns about the rise of mis­information and the blurred lines between jour­nalism and social media content creation. “People sit online insulting others and call themselves journalists. When they are attacked, GJA defends them, but we must ask: are they truly journalists? We must protect the integrity of our profession,” she stressed.

The Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo wished them well in their campaigns and quest to serve the GJA.

 By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu