Government to source sanitary pads locally for schoolgirls
By Nana Afrane Asante
Madam Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of Trade, Industry and Agribusiness has announced that government will procure sanitary pads locally for free distribution to schoolgirls nationwide to tackle menstrual poverty and support Ghanaian businesses.
The minister made this pronouncement during a courtesy call by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI).
She said the government, under the 2024 budget, allocated GHS292.4 million for the initiative, which would benefit 1.3 million female students in basic and secondary schools.
The initiative aims to address menstrual hygiene challenges, reduce absenteeism, and promote import substitution.
The AGI appealed to the minister to create a support system for local manufacturers to meet the demand and limit imports.
Madam Ofosu-Adjare revealed that all sanitary pads for free distribution would be sourced only from Ghanaian manufacturers.
“Even though that was not added [to the budget], I met with all pad manufacturing companies two days ago, and they have been informed that all the free sanitary pads will be sourced from Ghana,” she said.
The minister urged local businesses operating at 20-30 per cent capacity to increase production, citing plans to improve import substitution and promote exports.
“So, even before we amend the Public Procurement Act (PPA) to give made in Ghana goods the opportunity, we are already doing it, making sure that government will buy stuff that are made in Ghana to improve import substitution and to encourage exports,” said, Mad Ofosu-Adjare. Sanitary pads currently attract a 12.5% VAT and 20% import tax, making them costly for many, especially rural residents.
Advocacy groups have repeatedly called for tax exemptions, arguing that menstruation is a natural and essential process for women. In 2023, the government provided zero-rated VAT on locally produced sanitary pads and import duty waivers for raw materials used in their production.
