CONIWAS admonishes manufacturers of reusable pads to adhere to GSA’s standards requirements
CONIWAS admonishes manufacturers of reusable pads to adhere to GSA’s standards requirements
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 (GSA )’s newly enacted standards requirements.
The Coalition gave the admonishment during a day’s stakeholders Standard Dissemination session focused on the specifications for reusable menstrual pads held in Accra
The Standard Dissemination session forms part of activities marking the 2025 edition of the Ghana WASH Week, which was on the theme: “Equity and Inclusion in WASH Strengthening Systems for Sustainable WASH Accountability and Partnership for Results.”
The objectives for the Standard Dissemination session organised by CONIWAS, in collaboration with the Ghana Standards Authority and Plan International Ghana, were to share the standards and processes enacted by the authority for producers or manufacturers to satisfy before producing reusable menstrual pads.
The forum was very necessary for both manufacturers, distributors, and particularly important for organisations, NGOs, and producers involved in providing these products to end-users (school children and adolescent females in the various communities) to be schooled on the newly enacted standards.
The Executive Secretary of CONIWAS, Madam Basilia Nanbigne, in her welcome address, emphasizes that standardization 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 Standards Requirements:
– Absorbency: Minimum 30ml fluid capacity per pad
– Drying Time: Should dry within 6 hours under standard conditions
– Reusability: Withstand at least 20 wash cycles
– Biocompatibility: No irritation or allergic reactions
– Labeling: Product information, wash instructions, and batch numbers
She also highlighted the importance of Standardization for the production of reusable sanitary pads:
– Ensures quality and safety of reusable sanitary pads
– Prevents health risks associated with poor-quality products
– Promotes confidence in locally produced reusable menstrual pads
– Supports menstrual hygiene and women’s health, dignity, and well-being
