Former Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Obiri Boahen, has challenged the priorities of President John Dramani Mahama, criticising his decision to distribute sanitary pads to schoolgirls as part of his administration’s early initiatives.
Speaking on Accra-based Original TV, Obiri Boahen argued that while Mahama’s gesture might seem compassionate, it falls short of addressing the more pressing developmental needs of the nation.
“In neighbouring Burkina Faso, the President is focused on transforming his country’s infrastructure and security,” he said, referencing Interim President Ibrahim Traoré. “When you compare that to distributing sanitary pads, it’s clear where the focus should be.”
Obiri Boahen contended that, in his view, Ghana’s leadership should be prioritising major economic and infrastructural projects rather than what he described as “symbolic gestures.”
The sanitary pad initiative, launched during Mahama’s first 120 days in office, aimed to address the challenge of menstrual hygiene for girls, ensuring they remain in school without disruptions. However, the initiative has sparked mixed reactions, with critics like Obiri Boahen questioning its impact on the broader goals of national development.
