Government Sets Aside GH¢292.4 Million for Free Sanitary Pads for Students
The government has allocated GH¢292.4 million to provide free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools.
This initiative aims to address period poverty and ensure that no girl misses school due to a lack of access to menstrual products.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced the policy while presenting the 2025 national budget. He emphasized the government's commitment to improving menstrual health and supporting girls’ education.
For years, the high cost of sanitary pads has been a major challenge for many families. Previously, sanitary pads were taxed under the Harmonized System Code 9619001000, which classified them as "Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles."
This classification subjected sanitary products to a 32.5% combined tax, including a 20% import duty and a 12.5% Value Added Tax (VAT).
As a result, the price of a pack of sanitary pads ranged between GH¢20 and GH¢40, making them unaffordable for many low-income households.
The financial burden of purchasing sanitary products has led to school absenteeism and forced some girls to use unsafe alternatives, increasing the risk of infections and other health issues.
The government’s new initiative seeks to remove these barriers and provide female students with safe and hygienic menstrual products.
This policy is part of a broader social protection strategy designed to promote gender equality and improve access to education.
By distributing free sanitary pads, the government aims to reduce school absenteeism, improve menstrual hygiene, and support the well-being of girls across the country.
The initiative represents a significant step toward bridging the education gap and ensuring that all students have the resources they need to succeed, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
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