Commentary

Taxing periods: Why Ghana must scrap levies on sanitary pads

By Seli Baisie, a journalist

Earlier today, I walked into a supermarket to buy sanitary pads for myself and was stunned by the prices. A wave of sadness hit me—not for myself, but for the rural girl child who cannot afford a sanitary pad every month during her period.

How would such a girl afford a sanitary pad every month during her time of menstruation?

Menstruation is a natural occurrence, but for many girls, it comes with not only pain and discomfort but also financial burden. The cost of sanitary pads has become part of the monthly ordeal, adding economic strain to an already challenging biological process.

As Ghana marks the International Day of the Girl Child today, October 11, I feel compelled to renew the call for the government to once again to waive taxes on sanitary pads. Numerous campaigns have demanded action, yet no meaningful change has followed.

This day is meant to highlight the challenges girls face globally, and in Ghana, one such challenge is period poverty. Every day, a girl misses school simply because she cannot afford a pad. According to UNESCO, one in ten girls in Sub-Saharan Africa misses school during menstruation—up to 20% of the academic year.

Local data paints an even bleaker picture. In Northern Ghana, 9 out of 10 girls regularly skip school during their periods. Without access to sanitary products, many resort to using reusable clothes, increasing the risk of infections and indignity.

Worse still, some girls are forced into transactional sex in exchange for sanitary products. This opens the door to early pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and school dropouts, among others.

The government has publicly championed gender equality. President Akufo-Addo, speaking at the Global Citizen Festival, pledged to implement policies that unlock the potential of girls across Ghana. He said:

“Women and girls account for 51% of the population of Ghana. So empowering them is critical to speeding up Africa’s progress.”

But promises must be backed by policies.

Currently, Ghana imports disposable sanitary products at a 20% tax rate. This cost is passed on to consumers, making an essential item unaffordable for many. As a temporary solution, the government must scrap taxes on sanitary pads. But longer term, we need to invest in local production of affordable sanitary products. Doing so won’t just improve access—it will also create jobs at a time when Ghana battles high unemployment.

Menstruation should not be a barrier to education, dignity, or opportunity. Girls deserve better. Ghana can and must do better.