The Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has urged the private sector to support the government’s Free Sanitary Pad Initiative, describing it as critical to keeping girls in school and protecting their dignity.

She made the call during a meeting with the leadership of Sunda Group, manufacturers of Softcare Sanitary Pads, where she commended the company for its contribution to the programme and encouraged other businesses to come on board.

According to the Vice President, access to sanitary pads should not determine whether a girl attends school or stays at home. She emphasized that menstruation is a natural biological process and must never be a barrier to education or personal development.

“Girls’ natural biological functions should never be a barrier to their education or full potential,” she stated, adding that the initiative remains a major national priority.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang noted that the government has demonstrated its commitment by allocating GH¢292.4 million to the Free Sanitary Pad Initiative in the 2026 Budget. She said the investment reflects the importance government places on gender equality, education, and social protection.

She stressed that government alone cannot sustain the programme and called for strong partnerships with the private sector to ensure its long-term success. Such collaboration, she said, would help expand access, improve quality, and reach more girls across the country, especially in deprived communities.

The Vice President also encouraged Sunda Group to deepen its local value chain by sourcing more raw materials locally. She said this would create jobs, support local industries, and contribute to industrial growth in line with the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy.

She explained that local production and sourcing would not only reduce costs but also strengthen Ghana’s manufacturing base and promote inclusive economic growth.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang further called on sanitary pad and diaper manufacturers to intensify public education on proper disposal practices. She warned that poor disposal poses health and environmental risks and undermines efforts toward sanitation and environmental protection.

She said responsible production must go hand in hand with public education, hygiene, and sustainable industrial practices to protect communities and the environment.

The leadership of Sunda Group expressed appreciation for the engagement and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the Free Sanitary Pad Initiative and working with government to improve access for girls nationwide.

The Free Sanitary Pad Initiative is aimed at removing barriers to education, promoting girls’ welfare, and ensuring that no child is denied schooling because of a lack of basic sanitary needs.