At Walewale Senior High Technical School (Walewale SHS) in Ghana’s Northeast Region, menstrual hygiene is a growing concern. The school, which has 2,013 students—including 939 girls—is facing serious challenges due to the lack of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure.
During the 2025 Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration on Saturday, May 31, school authorities highlighted how these gaps are affecting female students. Many girls lack access to sanitary pads, private changing rooms, or clean water. Some are forced to use unsafe alternatives or miss classes altogether.
The school receives water once a week from the Community Water and Sanitation Agency. That supply runs out within two days, often disrupting academic activities as students search for water off-campus. In many cases, this leads to disciplinary issues and health risks.
To address this, the Headmaster of Walewale SHTS called for immediate support. The appeal focused on the construction of female-friendly KVIP toilets, private changing rooms, and a more reliable water system.
Speaking at the same event, the Country Director of Plan International Ghana said that most schools across the country lack essential facilities for menstrual hygiene. Without private spaces, running water, and disposal systems, many girls are pushed into isolation or miss out on their education entirely. He stressed that treating menstruation as a problem only worsens inequality.
In response, Plan International pledged to build girl-friendly WASH facilities at the school in the coming months. The organisation also distributed thousands of reusable sanitary products to students as part of the day’s activities.
The event also acknowledged government action. A budget allocation of ₵292.4 million in 2025 is set to provide free sanitary pads to schoolgirls. This move fulfils a campaign promise made by President John Dramani Mahama and represents a significant step in addressing menstrual poverty.
The message to the nation was clear: menstruation must not be a source of shame or disadvantage. Instead, it should be recognised as a natural part of life that deserves dignity, support, and policy attention. The campaign concluded with a powerful call to action, advocating for awareness today, policy change tomorrow, and long-term empowerment for girls across Ghana.
