By Rejoice Henrietta Otoo Arthur
The government has taken a major step to address period poverty by allocating GH¢292.4 million to begin the distribution of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools.
This announcement was made by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson while presenting the 2025 national budget.
“We have allocated an amount of 292.4 million Ghana cedis to commence the distribution of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools,” the minister stated.
For years, the high cost of sanitary pads has been a barrier for many girls, leading to school absenteeism and health risks. Under the previous tax policy, sanitary pads were classified as “Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles” under the Harmonized System Code 9619001000, attracting multiple taxes, including a 20% import duty, 12.5% Value Added Tax (VAT), and other statutory levies.
This resulted in a 32.5% tax on imported sanitary products, pushing the price of a pack of pads to between GH¢20 and GH¢40. These high costs have made sanitary pads unaffordable for many low-income households. Menstruation is a natural biological process, yet the imposition of taxes on sanitary products has reinforced gender inequalities, keeping many girls out of school and limiting opportunities for young women.
The lack of access to sanitary pads has also led some girls to resort to unhygienic alternatives, posing serious health risks. With this new policy, the government aims to reduce the financial burden on families and ensure that no girl misses school because of menstruation.
The initiative is part of broader social protection efforts to bridge the inequality gap in education and economic empowerment for women and girls.
The distribution of free sanitary pads is expected to improve school attendance, enhance menstrual hygiene, and promote gender equality. This marks a significant shift in government policy, prioritizing the well-being and dignity of girls across Ghana.
