The Communications Officer for the Alliance for Reproductive Health Rights (ARHR) Ms. Nana Oye Gyimah, has urged the government to devise a clear and sustainable strategy to ensure the effective and equitable distribution of the GHS 292 million Menstrual hygiene Funds.
She spoke on behalf of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) advocating for reproductive health rights, echoing the concerns of SEND Ghana and other advocacy groups. She noted that this initiative has the potential to make a significant impact on young girls, particularly those in disadvantaged communities.
“Before I even say anything, we want to commend the government for this critical step. We know that it’s going to address the menstrual hygiene and health challenges that women and girls have in this country, especially those in low-income communities.”
Ms. Nana Oye Gyimah Communications Officer, Alliance for Reproductive Health Rights (ARHR)
However, she was quick to point out that while the announcement is promising, past experiences have shown that budget allocations do not always translate into successful execution. She cautioned that without a well-defined implementation strategy, the initiative might not achieve its intended goals.
One of the primary concerns raised by Nana Oye Gyimah is the absence of a concrete strategy outlining how the funds will be utilized effectively.
“We’ve had promises over promises on health. Each year, when we have budgets and when we read budget statements, promises come from the government and political parties.”
“If we do not have a clear strategy for implementation, this promise is going to die off. We do not want it to have no implementation or funding strategy at all.”
Ms. Nana Oye Gyimah Communications Officer , Alliance for Reproductive Health Rights (ARHR)
Nana Oye stressed that without a sustainable funding mechanism, the policy could face financial constraints that may hinder its long-term success.
“We do not even want to start and get stuck along the way and not have funding to continue or have reasons not to continue. So we want sustainable execution of this policy.”
Ms. Nana Oye Gyimah Communications Officer for the Alliance for Reproductive Health Rights (ARHR)
Addressing Equity in Distribution
A major concern highlighted by Nana Oye Gyimah is the issue of equity in the distribution of sanitary products
“When you look at the issue of sanitary pads, you will know that in our part of the country, there are people who really need it, and there are people who are able to afford it.”
“We need it to be equitable. There are people in low-income areas who may need this initiative more than people in certain parts of our country who already have access to it.”
Ms. Nana Oye Gyimah Communications Officer, Alliance for Reproductive Health Rights (ARHR)
For her, equity means ensuring that those who are unable to afford sanitary products receive adequate support, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach that does not prioritize the most vulnerable.
Nana Oye Gyimah also aligned with SEND Ghana’s position that the government should consider removing taxes on sanitary products or subsidizing their prices.
“Beyond the primary and secondary schools, there are young women out there who are genuinely unable to afford sanitary pads.”
Ms. Nana Oye Gyimah Communications Officer, Alliance for Reproductive Health Rights (ARHR)
She fully supported SEND Ghana’s proposal for the government to either subsidize or completely remove taxes on sanitary products, making them more affordable and accessible.
Nana Oye Gyimah’s concerns reflect a broader call for accountability in government policies. While the allocation of GHS 292 million in the 2025 budget presented by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to support menstrual hygiene is a positive step, it will only be effective if it is backed by a well-structured implementation plan that ensures equitable distribution and sustainability.
As discussions of this allocation of the 2025 budget continue in Parliament, stakeholders like Nana Oye Gyimah and civil society organizations will continue to advocate for clarity, fairness, and sustainable execution of this initiative to ensure it truly benefits the girls who need it most.
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