A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) besieged parliament on Thursday, June 22, seeking tax relief on sanitary pads.
The group argued that the current 12.5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) and 20 per cent import tax on sanitary pads have led to soaring prices, making it unaffordable for women.
The spokesperson for the CSOs, Ama Pratt, addressed journalists during the protest and emphasized their unwavering commitment to pressuring the government to abolish these taxes.
Madam Pratt stated that the high taxation on sanitary pads had placed an undue burden on females, hindering their access to essential hygiene products.
The CSOs believe that by removing the taxes, the government can significantly enhance women’s health, well-being, and overall gender equality.
However, the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has expressed concerns about the potential consequences of scrapping these taxes.
The AGI cautioned that removing the taxes could adversely affect the country’s economy.
They argued that the current tax structure generates revenue for the government, contributing to various public services and infrastructure development.
This demand for tax relief on sanitary pads is not new, as multiple advocacy groups have previously urged the government to reconsider these levies.
The government is yet to address the concern.