The Minority Women’s Caucus in Parliament is urging the government to fulfill its commitment to the 2024 budget by providing tax exemptions to local manufacturers of sanitary pads.
The goal is to make these essential products more affordable, particularly for women in rural areas who face obstacles due to high import duties, VAT, and other taxes.
During a visit to Sunda Ghana Limited and Faytex Ghana Limited in Accra on Monday, December 11, the caucus emphasized the need for the government to prioritize rural communities by exempting sanitary pads from taxes, as is the case in other countries.
Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, Second Deputy Minority Whip and leader of the caucus expressed hope that the government would take swift action to implement the tax exemptions outlined in the 2024 Budget beginning in January.
The Ada MP stated that their pleas should not just be discussions stating, “We earnestly urge concrete actions. Considering the capabilities of these manufacturers, significant support is required for them to effectively supply the entire country. Therefore, we implore the government to step in and provide the necessary assistance.”
“The manufacturers are currently facing substantial challenges, and immediate support is crucial. Our specific request is for the government to eliminate all taxes related to sanitary pads. If the production capacity falls short of meeting the demand, the prices of sanitary pads will inevitably rise. As we collaborate with the two existing factories, we strongly advocate for the government to take the required steps promptly,” she added.
At Sunda Ghana Limited in Gbawe, the Caucus toured the facility, guided by Managing Director Ye Wei (also known as Michael Kofi Baakoe).
Wei indicated that the production capacity of 600 million sanitary pads and 400 million panty liners per year, noting that Sunda’s products are 30% cheaper than imported alternatives.
According to him, with government support by way of tax exemptions, local manufacturers believe they can meet demand without the country relying on imports.
“If the promise to give local manufacturers tax exemptions as captured in the 2024 budget is fulfilled, it will enable Sunda to restructure its prices to ensure consumers have access to more affordable sanitary pads, and baby diapers among others,” he said.
The Caucus also visited Faytex Company Limited in the North Industrial area, discussing production scale-up and government support with Managing Director Jeanine Hage-All.
She expressed readiness to increase production to meet demand once the government exempts sanitary pads from taxes.
Currently operating at 30% installed capacity, Faytex plans to establish a new factory in Nsawam when the financial policy is approved by Parliament.
Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, the MP for Tempane, highlighted the challenge of imported raw materials raising sanitary pad prices, especially for women in rural areas.
The Caucus anticipates government action on the tax rebates in January to eliminate the 21.9% tax component to make sanitary pads more affordable.
Hon. Akanvariba emphasized that reduced prices would benefit many women, with provisions for those who will face affordability issues.
The MPs were joined by women representatives from various universities in Accra during their visit.
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