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The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, strongly criticized imposing taxes on sanitary pads, describing it as a cardinal sin.
The issue was brought to Parliament’s attention through a petition by civil society organizations urging the removal of taxes on sanitary pads.
Expressing his deep dissatisfaction with the taxation of sanitary pads, the Speaker emphasized the need for immediate government action to address this concern.
“The issue they raise is severe. Why have we passed a law imposing taxes on sanitary pads? This is unconscionable, a cardinal sin. The House shouldn’t have allowed it at all. The impact of that law on human resource development is immeasurable.
“I have a copy of the petition and will take immediate action to prevent the minister proposing the tax from implementing it. It must not appear in the next budget; it cannot be a tax.”
The Speaker’s remarks followed a protest by Civil Society Organizations demanding the government’s removal of taxes on sanitary pads.
According to the group, 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 stated their determination to have the taxes abolished by the government.
Despite pressure from various groups to eliminate the taxes, the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) cautioned against such a move, asserting that it would have severe negative economic consequences.
The AGI warned the Akufo-Addo government against removing taxes on imported sanitary pads, emphasizing that it would harm the economy by prioritizing imported products over local manufacturers.
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Source: Omanghana.com
