The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, has strongly criticised the imposition of taxes on sanitary pads, describing it as a grave offense.
The issue was brought to Parliament’s attention through a petition submitted by various civil society organisations, urging the removal of taxes on sanitary pads.
Expressing deep dissatisfaction with the taxation of sanitary pads, the Speaker emphasised the immediate need for government action to address this concern.
He denounced the passage of a law imposing taxes on sanitary pads, stating that it is unconscionable and a cardinal sin.
He vowed to take immediate action to ensure that the minister responsible for proposing the taxes withdraws the decision.
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He firmly declared that the taxes should not reappear in the next budget and should not be subject to taxation at all.
The Speaker’s remarks came after a protest by a group of Civil Society Organisations demanding the government’s removal of taxes on sanitary pads.
The group highlighted that the 12.5 percent value-added tax (VAT) and the 20 percent import tax on sanitary pads have significantly increased prices, making them unaffordable for many women, who make up 51 percent of Ghana’s population.
Speaking on behalf of the group, spokesperson Ama Pratt reiterated their determination to persist in their efforts to have the taxes abolished by the government.
However, the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) cautioned against removing the taxes, stating that it could have severe negative consequences for the economy.
The AGI issued a strong warning to the Akufo-Addo government, advising against the removal of taxes on imported sanitary pads.
They argued that such a move would be detrimental to the economy and the local manufacturers.
