The Declaration was crafted during a week-long regional youth forum in Conakry, Guinea, which brought together representatives from 15 West and Central African countries under the theme: “The Role of Youth in the Sustainable Development Process: Participation, Challenges and Perspectives.”

It reflects the united call of Africa’s youth for urgent, bold action to tackle challenges such as unemployment, inequality, insecurity, climate change, and exclusion from governance.

Speaking after the presentation, Benedicta expressed the importance of the moment: “We carried the voices of thousands of young people from across Africa. This Declaration makes it clear that young people must not only be seen but meaningfully included in shaping policies, accessing opportunities, and driving sustainable change.”

Shirley emphasized the urgency of action: “We are determined to hold leaders accountable to these commitments. The Conakry Declaration is not just a document, it is our collective demand for action on education, jobs, health, governance and climate justice. We are ready to partner with government to make this vision real.”

The Declaration highlights several key priorities for youth across Africa. In governance, young people are calling for at least 30 percent representation in all decision-making bodies at local, national, and regional levels, along with permanent frameworks for dialogue between youth and state institutions. On education, they demand reforms that align school systems with labor market needs, a significant increase in national education budgets, inclusive policies for young people with disabilities, and the integration of both comprehensive sexuality education and financial literacy into school curricula.

In the area of employment and entrepreneurship, the Declaration urges governments to remove barriers to jobs by reducing excessive work-experience requirements, while also creating easier access to funds for youth-led businesses and reducing taxes on young entrepreneurs. On health and well-being, the demands include tax exemptions on menstrual health products to ensure dignity and equity for girls, stronger mental health support in schools and communities, and strict enforcement of laws against female genital mutilation, child marriage, and teenage pregnancy.

The Declaration also underscores the urgency of environmental and climate action. It calls for the inclusion of environmental and sustainable development education in schools, support for youth-led initiatives such as reforestation, recycling, and renewable energy projects, and the creation of more green spaces in both rural and urban communities.

Receiving the Declaration, Minister George Opare-Addo commended the youth for their bold vision: “This bold statement by Africa’s young people challenges us as leaders. As a Ministry, we remain committed to placing youth at the heart of national development, ensuring your voices shape the future of Ghana and the continent.”

Also present at the meeting was the Deputy CEO for Operations and Programs at the National Youth Authority, Alhaji Inusah Mahama, who received a copy of the Conakry Declaration. He highlighted the Authority’s mandate in driving youth development in Ghana and expressed hope that, through collective effort, government, civil society, and young people can work together to address the demands outlined by the youth.

The delegation was led by Plan International Ghana’s Country Director, Constant Tchona, with support from staff “At Plan International, we believe youth should not just be consulted but be at the decision-making table. The Conakry Declaration is a historic roadmap for governments to act on, and we are proud Ghana’s youth are championing it,” said Mr. Tchona.

The Conakry Declaration concludes with a powerful message: “Our commitment is total, our voice is strong, our future is now.” With clear demands, strong voices, and the backing of civil society, Ghana’s youth have once again proven that they are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are shaping the present. Together, they are building a continent where young people are empowered, included, and heard.

This transformative initiative, which fulfills President John Dramani Mahama’s 2024 manifesto promise, marks a significant milestone in the fight against menstrual poverty and the promotion of gender equality in Ghana.

Menstrual poverty remains a critical barrier to the well-being, education, and development of women and girls, particularly in rural areas. Limited access to affordable menstrual hygiene products forces many girls to resort to unsafe and unhygienic alternatives, such as rags or leaves, which pose serious health risks and contribute to school absenteeism. In some cases, some of these girls end up in compromising situations leading to abuse by some adults.

The government’s commitment to providing free sanitary pads will not only alleviate these challenges but also empower girls to manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence.

We recognize the profound impact this initiative will have on the lives of girls, especially those in underserved rural communities. By ensuring access to free sanitary pads, the government is addressing a key driver of inequality and creating an enabling environment for girls to stay in school, focus on their education, and achieve their full potential. This initiative will significantly reduce school absenteeism, improve menstrual hygiene management, and contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty that disproportionately affects girls.

Plan International Ghana has long been at the forefront of efforts to address menstrual poverty and promote gender equality. Through our interventions, projects and initiatives such as the SHE Leads, the Lead Fund, the “Be Smart Learn and Stay Protected” and Integrated Package for Sustainable Community Development

(IPADEV), we have:

1. Advocated for the removal of taxes on sanitary pads.

2. Distributed disposable sanitary pads to over 100,000 vulnerable adolescent girls.

3. Initiated advocacy for the development of standards for the certification of reusable sanitary products.

4. Trained females to produce reusable sanitary products

5. Distributed reusable sanitary pads to over 50,000 vulnerable adolescent girls.

6. Provided and promoted menstrual health and hygiene education to reduce school absenteeism.

7. Worked with boys and men as allies in advocacy campaigns on menstrual health and hygiene.

8. Supported visually impaired girls to lobby for sanitary facilities in their schools.

9. Introduced a Pad Bank initiative at the Wa Methodist School of the Blind and Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University.

10. Conducted community sensitization and advocacy campaigns to challenge stigma and promote menstrual health.

11. Constructed over 100 Girl-Friendly latrines in schools across Ghana

12. Provided mechanised and hand pumps water facilities in schools and communities to enable girls manage their menstrual hygiene

13. Additionally, our Alumni Network initiated a ‘No Pad Tax Campaign’ and mobilized over 1,000 signatures in a petition to the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection; organized stakeholder dialogues, and advocated for policy changes to make menstrual products more accessible and affordable.

We are encouraged by the government’s actions, which align with our advocacy and influencing efforts towards:

• Implementation of zero-rated VAT on locally produced sanitary pads.

• Granting of import duty waivers for raw materials used in local manufacturing.

• Condemnation of taxes on sanitary products by Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin

• Introduction of a bill by MP Francis-Xavier Sosu to remove the 15% VAT on menstrual hygiene products.
These measures, coupled with the 2025 budget allocation, demonstrate government’s commitment to addressing menstrual poverty and advancing gender equality.

As the distribution of free sanitary pads is in the offing, “we urge the government to ensure the effective implementation of this initiative, particularly in hard-to reach rural areas where the need is greatest. We also call for sustained
investment in menstrual health education and the provision of adequate sanitation facilities in schools to complement this initiative”.

Plan International Ghana remains steadfast in its commitment to working with the government, communities, and other stakeholders to advance menstrual health and gender equality. Together, we can create a future where every girl in Ghana can thrive, free from the barriers of menstrual poverty.

Once again, we commend the Government of Ghana for this bold and transformative initiative, which will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the lives of girls across the country.

About Plan International

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion, and discrimination. And it is girls who are most affected.

Working together with children, young people, supporters, and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges girls and vulnerable children
face. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood, and we enable children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national, and global levels using our reach, experience, and knowledge.

For over 85 years, we have rallied other determined optimists to transform the lives of all children in more than 80 countries.

We won’t stop until we are all equal.

For years, many basic schools in these districts have struggled to get proper toilet and urinal facilities.

This has had a devastating impact on the education and health of students, particularly girls.

The lack of proper sanitation facilities has led to absenteeism, especially during menstruation, as girls were forced to stay away from school due to the lack of changing rooms.

Thanks to Plan International Ghana’s intervention, the beneficiary schools can now boast of girl-friendly toilet and urinal facilities.

The construction of these facilities has brought immense joy to the students, who can now attend school with dignity and confidence.

The schools that have benefited from this project include Gbledi Gborgame Primary School in Hohoe and Likpe Todome Primary School in Guan, among others.

These facilities are not only improving the health and wellbeing of students but also promoting girls’ education and empowerment.

Plan International Ghana’s commitment to improving sanitation facilities in rural schools is a testament to the organization’s dedication to empowering girls and promoting their education.

By providing safe and dignified sanitation facilities, Plan International Ghana is helping to break down barriers that have long hindered girls’ education in rural Ghana.

As the beneficiary schools continue to thrive, it is clear that Plan International Ghana’s intervention has sparked a new era for rural education in Ghana.

The organization’s efforts will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the lives of students, particularly girls, and contribute to the transformation of communities across the country.

Source: mymctvonline.com || Frank Kwaku Eshun 

The workshop, themed “Amplifying Community Voices: Storytelling with Integrity and Impact,” aims to foster a strong partnership with the media to amplify the organization’s impact stories.

The three-day residential training workshop is designed to equip media professionals with comprehensive knowledge of Plan International Ghana’s projects and initiatives.

Through interactive sessions and field trips, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the organization’s work and be empowered to advocate more effectively for Ghana’s most vulnerable women and children.

A key feature of the workshop is a field trip to four rural communities in the Jasikan Municipality in the Oti Region.

This will provide media professionals with a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of Plan International Ghana’s work and to gather inspiring stories of community resilience and transformation.

By partnering with the media, the organization aims to ensure that the stories of these communities are told with integrity and impact, inspiring positive change and

romoting a more just and equitable society.

*Plan International Ghana Takes Annual Media Training Workshop To Ho*

Plan International Ghana, a leading non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of marginalized women and children is currently having a three day media training workshop and this year, it’s taking place in Ho, Oti Region.

The workshop, themed “Amplifying Community Voices: Storytelling with Integrity and Impact,” aims to foster a strong partnership with the media to amplify the organization’s impact stories.

The three-day residential training workshop is designed to equip media professionals with comprehensive knowledge of Plan International Ghana’s projects and initiatives.

Through interactive sessions and field trips, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the organization’s work and be empowered to advocate more effectively for Ghana’s most vulnerable women and children.

A key feature of the workshop is a field trip to four rural communities in the Jasikan Municipality in the Oti Region.

This will provide media professionals with a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of Plan International Ghana’s work and to gather inspiring stories of community resilience and transformation.

By partnering with the media, the organization aims to ensure that the stories of these communities are told with integrity and impact, inspiring positive change and promoting a more just and equitable society.

Source: mymctvonline.com || Frank Kwaku Eshun 

The project’s primary goal was to enhance economic justice and inclusive growth for women aged 19-55 in the Northern, Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions.

At its core, Chief Executive Officer of Association of Ghana Industries, Seth Twum-Akwaboah, speaking at the Women’s Innovation for Sustainable Enterprise Project Close-Out Celebration held in Accra on the theme “When Rights Are Realized, Growth Is Imminent: Lessons and Legacy of WISE,” said WISE adopted a gender-transformative approach, integrating technological and financial strategies to address the root causes of gender inequality and promote economic justice and rights for women in Ghana.

Mr. Akwaboah said according to the World Bank, women make up almost half of the agricultural labor force in developing countries, but their productivity is limited by barriers to finance, access to inputs, extension services, and land rights.

He stated that the project addressed these challenges by providing training and mentorship to women in climate-smart agriculture, green business initiatives, and Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs).

Additionally, he said the project engaged male partners in addressing and transforming deeply rooted gender norms that perpetuate gender-based violence and women’s exclusion from economic activities.

Mr Seth explained that through its partnerships with local organizations, such as Urbanet GH and the Women Integrated Development Organization (WIDO), WISE reached over 14,000 women and 1,600 men in 150 communities. The project’s impact has been remarkable, leading to improved family relationships, well-being, and better care for children.

He again mentioned that WISE has also established and strengthened eight women-friendly business hubs, including three Solar Kiosks, offering services such as entrepreneurship training, green value chain development, and financial inclusion.

These hubs have provided women with the necessary tools and knowledge to participate fully in economic activities, he added.

Mr Akwaboah concluded that the WISE project’s success demonstrates the transformative power of empowering women. However, addressing the root causes of gender inequality and promoting economic justice, WISE has improved the lives of women, their families, and communities in Ghana, he said

Source: mymctvonline.com || Elvis Agyenim Boateng 

The project, launched in 2020 by Plan International Ghana, aimed to promote women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurship in rural communities. Through the WISE project, over 14,000 women were trained, and 1,600 men, community leaders, and male champions were engaged.

The project was implemented in partnership with local organizations, including Urbanet GH and the Women Integrated Development Organization (WIDO), and was funded by Global Affairs Canada.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Constant Tchona, Country Director of Plan International Ghana, emphasized the project’s focus on addressing the root causes of gender inequality.

“We go beyond addressing the symptoms of the challenges affecting girls and women; we tackle the root causes of gender inequality, particularly unequal power relations and discriminatory social norms.”

He said the project reached over 14,000 women in 150 communities, providing them with training, mentorship, and access to financial services.

Mr Constant Tchona said the project established and strengthened eight women-friendly business hubs, including three solar kiosks, offering services such as entrepreneurship training, green value chain development, and financial inclusion.

He said with transforming of family relationships, the project led to improved family relationships, well-being, and better care for children, freeing up time for women to fully participate in economic activities.

The project’s success is attributed to its focus on empowering women and addressing the root causes of gender inequality. As Constant Tchona noted, “The gains of the WISE project are a testament to the transformative power that resourced women have in contributing to the overall well-being of families and communities.”

Source: mymctvonline.com || Elvis Agyenim Boateng

Speaking at the Women’s Innovation for Sustainable Enterprises (WISE) event, organized by Plan Ghana, Dapaah underscored the power of women supporting each other to achieve greatness.

The event, themed “When Rights Are Realized, Growth Is Imminent: Lessons and Legacy of WISE,” provided a platform for women to share their experiences, challenges, and successes. Dapaah’s message struck a chord with the audience as she highlighted that empowering women fuels peace, productivity, and economic transformation.

Her dedication to advancing women’s economic participation is evident in her work, particularly in initiatives that equip women with skills in non-traditional fields such as carpentry, masonry, and plumbing through TVET programs.

Since its inception in 2020, the WISE project has made significant strides in fostering women’s entrepreneurship and innovation. It has introduced interventions in green and agri-business, business mentorship, Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA), solar-powered business information hubs, male ally programs, and safe spaces for women.

As Dapaah noted, the project’s impact is a testament to the power of women’s empowerment in driving sustainable development.

Source: mymctvonline.com || Frank Kwaku Eshun

Funded by Tony’s Chocolonely, one of the Netherlands’ largest cocoa companies, this two-year project targets two cocoa producing communities, Aponoapono and Obretema, with the potential for future expansion into other nearby cocoa-growing areas.

Despite significant progress made by Tony’s Open Chain to support sustainable livelihoods for cocoa farmers, challenges such as poverty, gender inequalities, and limited access to essential services persist in cocoa-growing communities.

These issues disproportionately affect the well-being of girls and young women. Unintended pregnancies among adolescent girls have been identified as a major concern, prompting the partnership between Plan International Netherlands, Plan International Ghana and Tony’s Chocolonely to launch this vital initiative.

The project’s goal is clear: by September 2026, at least 800 young people (aged 10–19, with at least 60% female) in Aponoapono and Obretema will be empowered to make informed decisions and access sexual and reproductive health services without facing discrimination, coercion, or violence.

The objectives of the project are to ensure that children, adolescents, and youth develop positive attitudes and self-confidence regarding Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), including awareness of harmful practices and gender-based violence (GBV).

Additionally, the project aims to provide young people with access to age appropriate, youth-friendly SRHR services. It also seeks to create an enabling environment for young people, particularly girls and young women, allowing them to exercise their SRHR with dignity and autonomy.

The project is supported by several strategic partners, including the Ghana Health Service, Ghana Education Service, the Department of Social Welfare, Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit, Suhum Municipal Assembly, National Commission on Civic Education, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, and the International Cocoa Initiative Based.

In his address to commemorate the 2024 Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day at Jasikan in the Oti Region, Mr. Tchona acknowledged the government’s efforts in reducing taxes on materials used to produce sanitary pads, making them more affordable. However, he stressed that more needs to be done to achieve a “Period-Friendly World” and strive towards a global objective.

“To achieve ‘Together for a Period-Friendly World,’ we must strive towards a global objective of ensuring that menstrual health is rightly positioned as both a human and a health right for girls, young women, and women,” Mr. Tchona said.
He urged governments and stakeholders to invest in the construction and maintenance of menstrual or girl-friendly infrastructure, particularly in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.

He also called for the engagement of community leaders, grassroots organizations, and men and boys as allies to help dismantle harmful norms and promote positive attitudes towards menstruation.

Mr. Tchona highlighted the need to eliminate myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation through age-appropriate and culturally sensitive education programs.

He emphasized the importance of eliminating financial barriers to ensure that all menstruators, regardless of their socio-economic status, have access to a range of safe and hygienic menstrual products.

He noted that Plan International Ghana and its partners work year-round to break the taboos and end the stigma surrounding menstruation, as well as to mobilize the funding required for large-scale action. The organization raises awareness about the challenges regarding access to menstrual products, education about menstruation, and period-friendly sanitation facilities in Ghana.

Mr. Tchona also called for recognition of the environmental impact of menstrual products, such as single-use pads and tampons, and their significant contribution to plastic pollution. “As we advocate for menstrual hygiene, let’s also promote sustainable alternatives such as menstrual cups, reusable pads, and biodegradable options,” he said.

Mr. Frank K. Boamah, Headmaster of Bueman Senior High School (SHS), highlighted the challenges his school faces due to its high female population. “Many of our girls lack access to menstrual products and adequate facilities to manage their periods,” he said. He appealed to Plan International Ghana and other stakeholders to construct a 10-seater gender-friendly KVIP toilet facility for the school.

Mr. Boamah urged policymakers to prioritize menstrual health issues due to their important role in human rights, public health, and gender equality. He pointed out that addressing these issues is crucial to eliminating period poverty, which affects girls who struggle to afford menstrual products.

During the celebration, over 500 reusable sanitary pads were distributed to girls at Bueman SHS by Plan International Ghana. The event was held under the theme “Together for a Period-Friendly World.”

The water facilities, which cost GH¢1,115,000, include mechanized water and pumping systems. Additionally, GH¢800,000 was allocated for modern toilet facilities. Plan International Ghana provided these resources to promote sound health and improved sanitation in these communities, thereby enhancing productivity by ensuring the residents lead healthy lives.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of one of the mechanized water systems and a toilet facility for the Koesim community and M.A Basic School in the Jasikan Municipality, the Country Director of Plan International Ghana, Mr. Constant Tchona, stated that since his organization provided the M.A Basic School with modern toilets, water was also extended to the school to ensure complete hygiene among pupils.

Mr. Tchona explained that these projects are part of comprehensive development activities carried out by Plan International Ghana in deprived communities in the Jasikan Municipality of the Oti Region and the Mamprusi District of the North East Region, where 10 other communities are also benefiting from similar projects.

He emphasized that Plan International Ghana is committed to removing obstacles that hinder the health of people in rural communities. The lack of potable water and toilet facilities has been identified as significant issues undermining efforts to promote quality lifestyles and improved health.

According to Mr. Tchona, the lack of potable water and toilet facilities not only endangers health but also poses a threat to girls’ education. Girls often refuse to attend school during their menstrual periods due to the stigma associated with the natural phenomenon they experience.

The Chief of Koesim, Togbe Kodzo Adufoli, thanked Plan International Ghana for their assistance. He noted that the provision of these facilities would greatly improve productivity in the community. Previously, residents had to travel about three kilometers to fetch water from streams and other sources, leading to water-related problems.

Togbe Kodzo Adufoli explained that the community’s greatest need over the years had been water. He promised that the community would establish a water management committee to ensure the effective and judicious use of the facility.

The Head Teacher of Koesim M.A Basic School, Mr. Benoni Nyasorgbor, said the lack of toilet facilities had affected school enrollment, especially among girls during their menstrual periods, leading some to drop out. However, he is confident that the provision of toilets with changing rooms and water to the school will attract more girls to enroll and attend regularly.

Credit: Ghanaian Times