News
‘Improving menstrual hygiene among girls crucial’
Emefa Kumaza donating sanitary pads to some school girls
Improving menstrual hygiene among girls is crucial because it affects school attendance as well as the engagement and performance of school girls, the Founder and Director of My Youth Led Community Organisation, Emefa Kumaza has said.
She explained that when girls were equipped to manage their menstruation safely and with confidence, it reduces the days she misses school.
Ms Kumaza said this in an interview with The Spectator on Friday in Accra as the world marks Menstrual Hygiene Day which is commemorated every year on May 28.
This year, the day was celebrated globally on the theme “together for a period friendly world,” with the aim of eliminating the stigma and taboos surrounding menstruation and live in a world where everyone can access the products, period education and period-friendly infrastructure needed.
She said consistent engagement enhances their academic performance and opens up future career opportunities and lay a foundation for economic independence.
She was of the view that addressing menstrual hygiene helps normalise menstruation and reduce the stigma leading to a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students
Ms Kumaza said period poverty worsens the already existing barriers to girls’ education especially in rural Ghana, explaining that many girls lack access to menstrual hygiene products, adequate sanitation facilities and accurate information about menstruation.
She said in 2021, she started an initiative known as ‘Her Period Matters’ and distributed over 3000 sanitary pads and organised educational workshops.
“These efforts not only help with immediate needs but also empower girls with knowledge about their bodies, challenging taboos and enhance their confidence,” Ms Kumaza said.
She said the initiative had worked with five schools in the Northern regional capital, Tamale with monthly distributions of sanitary pads, adding that “we have moved on to setting up pad banks in collaboration with school authorities.
She called on government to abolish taxes on menstrual products and make it freely available in schools, saying that when implemented, it would ensure that menstruation would not impede the education of girls.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
News
Government, GoldFields,reach agreement on Damang Mine
The Government of Ghana and Goldfields Ghana Limited have reached an amicable agreement on a transitional plan for the Damang Mine.
The operational modalities of the transition involve issuing a new 12-month mining lease to Goldfields’ subsidiary, Abosso Goldfields Limited, pending parliamentary ratification in
May 2025.
Under the new arrangement, Goldfields will resume open-pit mining during the transition period, safeguarding jobs and conducting feasibility studies to establish Damang’s reserves and mine life.
At the same time, the processing of existing stockpiles will continue under the supervision of a joint management team composed of representatives from the Government of Ghana
and Goldfields. The two parties will work in good faith to secure a successful transition and eventual transfer of a viable mine to Ghanaian ownership.
Both parties have agreed to advance discussions in good faith on the renewal of the lease for the Tarkwa mine, due in 2027, and pledged to work together to enhance Ghana’s
potential in the mining sector as a favourable investment destination,
News
Ophelia Crossland appointed as new Creative Director of Nineteen57
In an exciting turn for Ghana’s fashion industry, celebrated designer Ophelia Crossland has officially assumed leadership of Nineteen57, the iconic menswear brand founded by her husband, Kofi Okyere-Darko (KOD).
This transition follows KOD’s recent appointment as Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President—a prestigious national role that reflects his continued service to Ghana on a global scale.
With this new chapter in public service, the reins of Nineteen57 have now passed to Ophelia Crossland, who will take on both the day-to-day operations and creative direction of the brand.
Ophelia Crossland, the CEO and founder of her eponymous womenswear label, brings over a decade of experience in luxury fashion.
Known for her keen eye for detail and mastery in haute couture, her leadership is expected to usher in a new era for Nineteen57—one that blends timeless African sophistication with modern sensibilities for the stylish gentleman.
“Nineteen57 has always stood for bold sophistication and African excellence,” said Ophelia Crossland. I’m excited to build on that legacy and explore new creative horizons with the team,” she said.
The transition marks a defining moment for the fashion power couple—Ophelia taking the creative lead in fashion innovation while KOD serves the nation in his new diplomatic role.
Together, they continue to elevate Ghana’s presence across fashion and governance.
