The Tamale Area Women’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost has supported more than 350 girls in the Nanton District with sanitary products and educational materials as part of activities marking the International Day of the Girl Child.
The initiative, organised in collaboration with the Tamale Area Schools Outreach Ministry and the Nanton District, was held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, in Nanton under the theme, “Investing in the Health, Safety, and Empowerment of Every Girl Child.”
The event brought together traditional leaders, community members, representatives of the District Education Office, District Health Directorate, District Assembly and District Police Inspectorate, as well as the pastorate of the Tamale Area, the Chief Imam of Nanton, church officers and other opinion leaders.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the chairperson of the event, Mrs. Agartha Tawiah, emphasised the importance of providing girls with essential menstrual hygiene products, noting that the intervention went beyond meeting a basic need.
“This initiative goes far beyond providing a basic necessity; it restores confidence, protects dignity, and ensures that young girls can attend school without fear or barriers,” she said.
She encouraged the girls to remain determined in their pursuit of education and personal development, urging them not to allow their circumstances to limit their aspirations. She also called on parents and community leaders to take greater responsibility for the welfare, education and development of the girl child.
The Tamale Area Women’s Leader, Mrs. Anna Esinam Baah, described investment in girls as essential to sustainable community and national development.
“Investing in the girl child is not charity; it is an investment in our families, our communities, and the future of our nation,” she stated.
She urged the Church and its members to take practical steps to protect, support and empower girls in their communities.
Other speakers highlighted challenges confronting girls in Nanton and the Northern Region, including personal safety, healthcare, early marriage, limited access to education, child labour, malnutrition and gender inequalities. They called for coordinated efforts by families, schools, health professionals, traditional authorities and religious organisations to safeguard the rights and well-being of girls.
In an address, the District Girl Child Coordinator, Mrs. Zubeida Mustapha, encouraged the girls to remain resilient despite the socioeconomic challenges associated with growing up in an underserved community. She urged them to appreciate what they had while pursuing their ambitions with determination and upholding their personal values.
Describing their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and precious gifts from God, she encouraged them to uphold their dignity and self-worth.
“You can be modest, keep your values, and still excel in life. You don’t have to sacrifice your modesty and values to achieve in life; you can keep both,” she emphasised.
The programme featured cultural performances, drama and poetry recitals by pupils from participating schools. The presentations provided a platform for the girls to showcase their talents while reinforcing messages on education, self-worth and responsible living.
The event concluded with the distribution of sanitary products, books and pens to all 350 participating girls. Additional sanitary products were also presented to each participating school for emergency use, enabling girls who experience unexpected menstruation while in school to access essential supplies and continue their education without unnecessary disruption.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the district, the Nanton District Minister, Pastor Isaac Kwabena Tagoe, thanked the Tamale Area leadership, the Women’s Ministry, the Schools Outreach Ministry and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the programme.
He reaffirmed the district’s commitment to strengthening the Schools Outreach Ministry and sustaining initiatives that promote the welfare and development of young people.
The initiative underscores the Tamale Area’s commitment to extending the ministry of The Church of Pentecost beyond the church walls through practical interventions that promote the well-being, dignity and development of young people in the wider community.
Report by Area Media Team, Tamale
