The nominee for Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Madam Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has announced plans to provide sanitary pads to women in rural areas as the government works toward removing taxes on these essential products.
Speaking during her vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee, she emphasized the importance of addressing menstrual health challenges faced by low-income households.
“Government can supply sanitary pads to young ladies in rural areas while working to remove taxes,” Madam Lartey said.
“I agree that there must be a way out to provide affordable sanitary pads for vulnerable girls so that they don’t fall prey to men who buy pads for them.”
The taxation of sanitary pads has been a contentious issue in Ghana, with many advocacy groups calling for the abolition of the levies. Currently, sanitary pads are classified as “Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles” under the Harmonized System Code 9619001000, attracting a total tax of 32.5%, including a 20% import duty and a 12.5% Value Added Tax (VAT). These taxes contribute to the high retail prices of sanitary pads, which range between GHC 20 and GHC 40 per pack, making them unaffordable for many.
In addition to menstrual health, Madam Lartey addressed broader issues affecting women during her submission.
She proposed the establishment of a Women Development Bank to support women in the informal sector.
The bank, she explained, would provide low-interest loans to empower women and boost their businesses.
Madam Lartey also pledged to champion extended maternity leave and the introduction of parental leave for fathers.
Highlighting the need for family-friendly policies, she proposed extending the current three-month maternity leave to six months to allow mothers adequate time for recovery and childcare.
“It is important for women to have a prolonged leave period, not only to take care of the children but also to properly heal,” she stated. “As an employer, I encourage you to grant six months of leave if possible.”
She also called for the introduction of parental leave, emphasizing the importance of shared caregiving responsibilities to promote gender equality within families.
Madam Lartey underscored her commitment to collaborating with civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other gender advocates to achieve these reforms. She assured the committee that she would engage all stakeholders to push for policies that reflect the best interests of Ghanaians.
“I will sit with all stakeholders and CSOs who are deep into these issues, and I will join the many advocates to look at what is best,” she said. “If the people of Ghana agree to it, then I will be the number one champion.”
Madam Lartey’s proposals reflect a broader vision for improving gender equality and supporting women’s rights in Ghana. Her nomination and subsequent policies could mark a significant shift in addressing long-standing issues affecting women, children, and families across the nation.
