By Franklin Asare-Donkoh
The Coalition of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Water and Sanitation (CONIWAS) is urging manufacturers of reusable sanitary pads in Ghana to adhere to the Ghana Standards Authority’s (GSA) newly enacted standard requirements.
The Coalition made the call during a one-day stakeholder Standard Dissemination session focused on the specifications for reusable menstrual pads, held in Accra.
The dissemination session formed part of activities marking the 2025 edition of Ghana WASH Week, which was themed: “Equity and Inclusion in WASH: Strengthening Systems for Sustainable WASH Accountability and Partnership for Results.”
The objective of the session, organised by CONIWAS in collaboration with the Ghana Standards Authority and Plan International Ghana, was to share the standards and processes set by the authority that manufacturers must meet before producing reusable menstrual pads.
The forum was especially important for manufacturers, distributors, NGOs, and organisations that supply these products to end-users, particularly schoolchildren and adolescent girls in communities — to be educated on the newly enacted standards.
The Executive Secretary of CONIWAS, Madam Basilia Nanbigne, in her welcome address, emphasised that standardisation is crucial for ensuring the quality and safety of reusable sanitary pads, particularly for women and girls in rural areas who may struggle to afford traditional menstrual products.
“By adhering to GSA standards, manufacturers can help prevent health risks associated with poor-quality products and promote confidence in locally produced reusable menstrual pads,” she added.
Mrs Francisca Frimpong Asare Bediako from the Standards Division of GSA took participants through the following key standard requirements:
- Absorbency: Minimum 30ml fluid capacity per pad
- Drying time: Should dry within 6 hours under standard conditions
- Reusability: Must withstand at least 20 wash cycles
- Biocompatibility: Should cause no irritation or allergic reactions
- Labelling: Must include product information, wash instructions, and batch numbers
She also highlighted the overall importance of standardisation in the production of reusable sanitary pads:
- Ensures the quality and safety of reusable sanitary pads
- Prevents health risks associated with poor-quality products
- Promotes confidence in locally made menstrual hygiene products
- Supports menstrual hygiene and enhances women’s health, dignity, and well-being
