The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has strongly condemned the imposition of taxes on sanitary pads, describing it as a “cardinal sin”.
The issue was brought to the attention of the legislative body through a petition submitted by various civil society organizations urging the removal of taxes on sanitary pads.
The speaker expressed his deep dissatisfaction with the taxation policy and emphasized the urgency to address the pressing concern.
He questioned the rationale behind passing a law that imposes taxes on essential menstrual hygiene products, stating that it was unconscionable and had far-reaching consequences for human resource development.
Upon receiving a copy of the petition, the speaker pledged immediate action to rectify the situation, vowing to prevent the inclusion of such taxes in the next budget.
He categorically stated that the taxation of sanitary pads cannot be justified and must be abolished without delay.
The speaker’s remarks come in the wake of a recent protest staged by a coalition of civil society organizations demanding the government’s removal of taxes on sanitary pads.
The group highlighted the impact of the 12.5 per cent value-added tax (VAT) and the 20 per cent import tax on the affordability of sanitary pads, making them inaccessible for a significant portion of Ghana’s female population, which constitutes 51 per cent of the country’s total inhabitants.
Ama Pratt, the spokesperson for the coalition, reiterated their unwavering commitment to continuing their efforts until the government eliminates the taxes.
However, the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has cautioned against removing these taxes, asserting that it would adversely affect the economy.
The AGI has issued a strong warning to the Akufo-Addo government, urging them to consider the implications of removing taxes on imported sanitary pads at the expense of local manufacturers.
The association argued that such a move would be detrimental to the overall economic stability of the nation.