Nana Esi Ninsin VIII Calls on Government, NGOs and Stakeholders to End Menstrual Poverty in Ekumfi

Nana Esi Ninsin VIII

Nana Esi Ninsin VIII, Nyimfahembaa of the Ekumfi Traditional Area and Odzikrohembaa of Ekumfi Ekrawfo, has urged government, non-governmental organisations and stakeholders to prioritise sanitation and menstrual health in rural communities. She made this appeal during the 2025 World Toilet Day celebration held on Wednesday, 19th November 2025, at Ekumfi Engow on the theme “Sanitation in a Changing World.”

The event formed part of activities marking her 13th anniversary as Queen Mother of Ekumfi Ekrawfo and supported her ongoing campaign to renovate the Amorkhor Art Haus Training Centre into a practical vocational hub. The centre also leads a sanitary pads donation drive aimed at eliminating menstrual poverty in the Ekumfi District.

The programme brought together a number of dignitaries, including Nananom of Engow; Mrs Emma Asare, Founder of Rural and Deprived Community Outreach (RADCO); Ms Kafui Mary Ahlijah, District Director of Education; Mr Bentsiefi Kofi Biney, Human Resource Manager at the Ekumfi Education Directorate, Mr. Richard Boatey , District SHEP Coordinator and School Improvement Support Officers (SISOs) Mr Emmanuel Woode, Mr Sylvanus Ahiadu and Mr Kenneth Johnson Siaw. Others present were Madam Esther Kwofie, Girl-Child Coordinator; Mr Kennedy Oppong Asante, Headteacher of Engow Methodist Basic School; representatives from Global Brigades; and various community and youth groups.

Basic schools represented included Engow Methodist Basic School, Eyisam Islamic Basic School and Begrat Preparatory School.

In her remarks, Nana Esi Ninsin VIII called for collaborative support to provide modern toilets, changing rooms and sanitation facilities in rural schools. She said menstrual poverty continues to hinder girls’ education and undermines their dignity.

Mrs. Emma Asare 

Mrs Emma Asare added her voice to the call for improved sanitation facilities, emphasising the disproportionate impact on girls. She remarked: “A nation cannot claim progress when its girls lack the classrooms to learn and the toilets to live with dignity.” 

Mrs Asare highlighted that poor toilet facilities in schools worsen absenteeism among girls, particularly during menstruation. Sharing a painful childhood experience, she explained how shame, lack of pads and misunderstanding from male teachers once made her school life unbearable.

She called for subsidised or free sanitary pads, improved menstrual education for boys and male teachers, and the construction of gender-sensitive toilets in rural schools urging stakeholders to prioritise menstrual health education, support for reusable pads and the construction of safe sanitation facilities in rural schools.

The Sankofa Care Initiative, led by Madam Bernice Ankrah, conducted an educational session on personal and menstrual hygiene. Participants were encouraged to use reusable sanitary pads to minimise cost and prevent exploitation of vulnerable girls.

Ms. Kafui Mary Ahlijah 

District Director of Education, Ms Kafui Mary Ahlijah, also appealed to chiefs and community leaders to commit to maintaining school sanitation facilities, stressing that poor hygiene contributes to the spread of diseases such as cholera, dysentery and typhoid.

Madam Esther Kwofie, speaking on behalf of the Girl-Child Education Unit and Camfed Ghana, reiterated the need for consistent menstrual hygiene education in rural communities.

A group photograph of dignitaries with school children 

One message was clear; when rural sanitation improves, girls’ confidence grows, attendance rises and entire communities prosper. The event concluded with the distribution of Smart Sanitary Kits to female pupils, while Global Brigades supported the programme with donations of sanitary pads.

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie

GETFund Deputy Administrator Cautions Students Against Drug Abuse

Hon. Alhassan Sualihu, Deputy Administrator - GETFund

The Deputy Administrator of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), Hon. Alhassan Sualihu Dandaawa, has urged students of John Evans Atta-Mills Senior High School (JEA Mills SHS) and across the country to refrain from drug use and other social vices that could jeopardise their future.

Speaking during the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of modern boarding facilities, an administration block, and other infrastructure projects for the school, Hon. Sualihu underscored the devastating effects of substance abuse on students’ academic performance and overall wellbeing. He cautioned: “Do not disappoint your parents. If you are intelligent and you resort to drugs, you will fail.” He encouraged the students to stay focused on their education, assuring them that the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for learning.

Hon. Sualihu further commended Hon. Dr. Othniel Ekow Kwainoe, the Member of Parliament for Ekumfi, for his tireless lobbying efforts that led to the approval of the GETFund project.

He revealed that the project, expected to be completed within 12 months, would include two modern dormitory blocks for boys and girls, an administration block, an ICT laboratory and library, a headmaster’s bungalow, an ultramodern dining hall complex, and residential facilities for housemasters and mistresses.

On behalf of the GETFund Administrator, Mr. Paul Adjei, Hon. Sualihu pledged a cash support of GHS 10,000.00 and a school bus to further enhance teaching and learning at the institution.

He concluded by assuring the school community of GETFund’s unflinching commitment to ensuring that the JEA Mills SHS project becomes one of the best educational facilities in the Central Region.

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie 

District Director of Education Calls for Collective Support to Advance Education in Ekumfi

Ms. Kafui Mary Ahlijah, Director of Education - Ekumfi District 

The District Director of Education for Ekumfi, Ms. Kafui Mary Ahlijah, has called on all stakeholders including traditional leaders, parents, and community members to unite in supporting the advancement of education in the district.

Addressing participants at the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of new boarding facilities and other projects at John Evans Atta-Mills Senior High School, Ms. Ahlijah described the initiative as “a joy to all,” emphasising that such collaborative efforts reflect a strong shared vision for the district’s educational growth.

She noted that the new facilities would significantly ease the financial burden on parents who currently spend heavily on accommodation, transportation, and feeding for their children.

Ms. Kafui also appealed to GETFund to expedite the completion of the project to ensure that the school benefits from the improved infrastructure within the stipulated timeframe.

She seized the opportunity to extend an invitation to traditional authorities and community members to attend the school’s upcoming 10th Anniversary Celebration on 29th November 2025, promising a memorable occasion that will highlight the school’s progress and achievements.

In her closing remarks, she said, “Education is shining in Ekumfi,” attributing this to the collective commitment of stakeholders. She also cited the district’s outstanding performance at the 4th Regional Reading Festival in Cape Coast as proof of educational progress and urged everyone to continue supporting the cause both financially and morally.

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie