GES Marks Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026 with Call for Period-Friendly Schools

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting menstrual health and hygiene among school girls as part of efforts to improve school attendance, confidence and academic performance.

The 2026 Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration was held at Okuapeman Senior High School under the theme “Together for a Period Friendly Ghana.”

The event brought together government officials, education stakeholders, development partners, students and traditional leaders to promote awareness on menstrual hygiene management and encourage open discussions on menstruation.

Speaking at the event, Sammi Awuku stressed the importance of empowering girls through menstrual hygiene education and support systems to improve school participation and academic success.

Deputy Director-General of GES, Smile Gavua Dzisi, who represented the Director-General, stated that no girl should be denied quality education because of menstruation. She called for stronger advocacy, improved sanitation facilities and sustained public education to help eliminate stigma surrounding menstruation.

Eastern Regional Director of Education, Ivy Asantewaa Owusu, also urged stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that promote menstrual health and dignity among girls.

Representatives from organisations including UNICEF, UNFPA, CONIWAS and World Bank highlighted the importance of access to menstrual hygiene education, water and sanitation facilities in schools.

The programme also featured a cultural performance by the School for the Deaf, Mampong, and reinforced calls for collective action to end period stigma and support the well-being of girls across the country.