Patrick Apea-Danquah, Deputy Director of the Institute for Fiscal and Economic Studies (IFEST), has raised significant concerns regarding the government’s Free Sanitary Pads Programme, warning that without a proper policy framework, procurement breaches are inevitable.
Speaking to ABC News GH, Apea-Danquah emphasized the importance of a comprehensive policy document to guide the initiative and avoid potential financial mismanagement.
“There should be a policy document that clearly states the scope of the programme, the target audience, and the implementation strategy,” he explained.
Apea-Danquah pointed out that the absence of a well-structured policy could lead to confusion around procurement processes.
“If we don’t do this, it is going to create confusion on procurement matters,” he added.
He also highlighted the risk of unaccountability, stressing that without clear guidelines and transparency, the programme could face allegations of mismanagement or misuse of funds.
Furthermore, he emphasized the need for data-driven decision-making in the allocation and distribution of sanitary pads, suggesting that a more targeted approach would ensure that the right beneficiaries are reached.
Apea-Danquah also advocated for investing in reusable sanitary pads as a sustainable and safe alternative, arguing that this approach would be more environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run.
“We should invest in reusable sanitary pads, which are also safe,” he stated. Additionally, he urged the government to publish the procurement documents associated with the initiative to maintain transparency and avoid accusations of redirection of funds.
He explained that making this information public would serve as a safeguard for both the government and the public, ensuring accountability in the programme’s implementation.
