By: Bubu Klinogo
The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), has cautioned the Government against implementing a policy that would remove taxes on imported sanitary pads while disregarding local manufacturers.
According to the AGI, such a measure would have severe negative consequences for Ghana’s economy.
While the idea of waiving duties or taxes on imported sanitary pads to make them more affordable for young women may seem appealing, the AGI argues that it would inevitably lead to the demise of the remaining local sanitary pad factories.
In a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AGI, Seth Twum-Akwaboah, the Association expressed the belief that the call for the removal of duties on imported sanitary pads is misplaced.
Director of Policy at AGI, John Defor who spoke to GBCNEWS’ Bubu Klinogo, said the removal of taxes would affect their businesses.
A case for Sanitary Pads:
Meanwhile, a group of Civil Society Organisations has besieged Parliament to demand the removal of taxes on sanitary pads by the government.
The group says the 12.5 percent VAT and the 20 percent import tax on sanitary pads have increased the prices of the item, making it impossible for women who represent 51 per cent of Ghana’s population to afford them.
Speaking to Journalists, the Spokesperson for the group, Ama Pratt said they ”will not relent in their efforts to have the taxes scrapped by the government”.
