The Queen Mother of Obuasi-Gausu, Nana Nyantekyiwaa Amoako Asare, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to expand his free sanitary pad initiative into a broader job creation strategy aimed at addressing youth unemployment in the country.
In an interview on Adekye Mu Nsem, a morning show on Bono FM in Sunyani, Nana Nyantekyiwaa—who is also the founder of the GyinapintinHemaa Foundation and CEO of WBP Services—commended Mahama’s intervention to supply sanitary pads to schoolgirls who miss classes due to menstrual hygiene challenges.
“This is a commendable move, but it shouldn’t end with distribution,” she said. “We have a chance to turn this into a nationwide job creation strategy. Setting up sanitary pad factories in every region would not only meet the hygiene needs of young girls but also provide employment for many, especially senior high school graduates who are currently idle.”
She suggested building on the framework of the “One District, One Factory” policy, which was introduced under former President Akufo-Addo, tailoring it specifically toward sanitary pad production.
According to her, such an initiative could be incorporated into national service schemes or broader youth employment programs, contributing to reducing the unemployment rate.
Nana Nyantekyiwaa further emphasized that transforming the sanitary pad initiative into a manufacturing industry would address both menstrual health and economic empowerment while also helping to reduce social issues such as drug abuse.
“Many girls are forced to use unhygienic materials like rags or torn clothing during menstruation, which causes discomfort and keeps them away from school. By empowering local production, we tackle both health and education challenges,” she stressed.
She concluded by appealing to government agencies, NGOs, and private investors to recognize the sanitary pad industry’s potential as a vehicle for both public health advancement and national economic development.
Source: Adomonline
