Some school girls are earnestly waiting for a positive response from the Health Ministry on the total removal of taxes on sanitary pads.
Speaking to JoyNews during a peaceful march through some streets in the national capital, Accra, the girls narrated how they sometimes have to stay away from class during their monthly flow because they do not have enough pads to keep changing.
They are sure the removal of the tax would help them stay in school and also boost their confidence.
One of the girls, Nima Mohammed shared how she has to stay at home and resort to the use of rags when she runs out of sanitary pads which makes her uncomfortable.
For her, it is not just about the pain associated with the monthly flow, it also involves missing her favourite lesson in school.
“The day that I don’t have a pad, I stay home and use rags. My best subject is science, so it has affected me,” she cried.
Another girl, Fidel Yakubu also wants the taxes completely removed or the product should be made free so that she and her friends would not have to worry anytime their cycle is due.
She also disclosed how she stays home when on her period and how she is not able to go out due to shame.
“Last month, when I was on my period, my mother was unable to buy pad for me so I stayed home and because of the shame, I was in the room, I was unable to get out.”
“I’m pleading with government that they reduce the taxes on sanitary pads,” she said.
After marching from the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park to Parliament House, a student, Latifa Abdul read a petition on behalf of the group.
“Kenya has cancelled taxes on sanitary pads as far back as 2004 and has been investing in free sanitary pads distribution to low income communities. Rwanda and South Africa have also removed taxes on sanitary pads.”
“Now is the time for Ghana to join its peers in protecting, guaranteeing and upholding the fundamental rights of adolescent young women and girls,” she stated.
Head of Communications at the Health Ministry who received the petition assured the girls that the Gender and Finance Ministries will deliberate on the issues raised and resolve their concerns.
“Management of the Ministry of Health will expedite consideration into this and we will report to you as soon as possible,” he said.
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