Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has directed a full audit of sanitary pads distributed through the government’s Free Sanitary Pad Initiative last year, following reports of poor-quality products.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, the Minister said concerns raised by the Consumer Protection Agency of Ghana prompted the decision to assess the products provided to schools nationwide.
“I have asked a team of auditors to visit schools and examine the quality of some of the sanitary pads supplied, following concerns from the Consumer Protection Agency about poor-quality items last year,” he explained.
Mr. Iddrisu added that he is reviewing the audit report and will advise the government on the appropriate steps to take. “I’m currently evaluating the assessment report and will recommend how government should handle the matter going forward,” he said.
The Minister stressed that companies contracted under the initiative are expected to meet minimum standards and deliver high-quality products.
“We want any company that wins a bid to be mindful of standards — producing quality items that do not embarrass the government, users, or students,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring value for money and protecting the welfare of students, warning that substandard supplies would not be tolerated.
“We take concerns about the quality of the sanitary pads very seriously. There will be zero tolerance for poor-quality products,” Mr. Iddrisu added.
