Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Newmont Ahafo Mines, has donated sanitary pads and hygiene bags valued at GH¢215,000 to basic school pupils in its ten host communities in the Ahafo Region.
The donation aimed to support adolescent girls in maintaining hygienic practices and promoting consistent school attendance. The gesture formed part of activities marking the 2025 Global Menstrual Hygiene Day, celebrated annually on May 28.
NADeF distributed three sanitary pads and a bar of chocolate each to 744 adolescent girls from 47 basic schools in host communities, including Ntotroso, Gyedu, Wamanhinso, Terchire, Kenyasi No.1, Kenyasi No.2, Yamfo, Afrisipakrom, Adrobaa and Susuanso.
Beneficiary schools included Rashadia Islamic Basic, Ntotroso Methodist Basic and St. Lawrence R/C School in the Asutifi North District. Five teams from NADeF visited the schools to distribute the items and engage with the students.
During a symbolic presentation at Ntotroso, Executive Secretary of NADeF, Elizabeth Opoku-Darko, said the foundation, supported by the World Gold Council, procured 500 packs of sanitary pads for the schoolgirls. The initiative, aimed at motivating girls to remain in school during menstruation, aligns with one of the foundation’s thematic areas—human resource development.
NADeF continues to support health and education in its host communities through targeted interventions aimed at long-term development and empowerment. “Menstruation is a critical time for adolescent girls and often leads to irregular school attendance, which can affect academic performance,” she said. She urged the girls not to let menstruation hinder their education and encouraged regular school attendance and proper menstrual hygiene management.
The Vice-Chairperson of the NADeF Board of Trustees, Marian Naa Dede Appiah, also advised the girls on how to use sanitary pads and the importance of personal hygiene. She stressed the need for daily bathing with clean water and soap to prevent body odour.
