UWR: Veep Opoku-Agyemang donates 4,000 sanitary pads in quest to tackle barriers to girls’ education

The Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has encouraged young girls to strive for excellence and rise beyond expectations, as Ghana continues to strengthen interventions aimed at keeping girls in school during their menstrual cycles.

Addressing students, teachers, and regional authorities at a brief ceremony, held at the forecourt of the Regional Coordinating Council, on Friday, April 24, 2026, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang urged young girls to believe in themselves and remain focused on their education.

“Do the best you can… become much, much better than I can ever be,” she said, stressing the importance of diligence, self-confidence, and kindness toward others.

The Vice President made the remarks while she was donating 4,000 sanitary pads to vulnerable girls within 29 schools in the region as part of broader efforts to tackle barriers to girls’ education, particularly challenges linked to menstruation.

She recounted how, during an earlier period between 2013 and 2016, authorities identified troubling patterns in school attendance data.

Prof. Naana said Girls were frequently absent at certain times of the month not due to lack of interest in school, but because of natural biological processes.

Recognising the impact on retention and progression, the government introduced measures including the provision of sanitary pads, improved access to water, and upgraded sanitation facilities in schools.

Despite initial public backlash and ridicule over the initiative, the Vice President noted that attitudes have since shifted significantly.

“We are talking about the future of our children,” she emphasised, adding that any obstacles hindering their academic progress must be removed.

She expressed satisfaction that the country has made progress in addressing menstrual health challenges and called on stakeholders to continue supporting girls.

She reminded learners that their parents’ sacrifices and aspirations rest on their shoulders, urging them to take their studies seriously and embrace all subjects.

Charles Lwanga Puozuing, Upper West Regional Minister, while expressing appreciation for the intervention, was optimistic that the gesture would not only enhance school attendance, but also improve the overall well-being of female learners in the region.

The ceremony formed part of broader efforts to promote girls’ education and ensure that biological factors do not limit their academic potential.

By Ibrahim Abubakari Wangara