The Orange Girl Foundation has applauded government for its intention to implement a zero rate VAT on locally produced sanitary pads.
However, the organization believes the government could do more than it has done.
Speaking exclusively to Kwaku Dawuro on Movement In The Morning show on Movement TV/ Wontumi Radio, the founder of the gender advocate group, Nanayaa Ethel Amoako noted that In addressing such a canker it’s prudent that the government does so fully and not partially.
“Although, it’s been long overdue, it’s fulfilling to know that at last, government has heeded to our calls. However, we believe the government could go beyond the zero rate VAT for locally produce sanitary pads. Most sanitary pads are imported into the country. If government wants to discourage the importation of sanitary pads and therefore, decides not to scrap the importation tax on sanitary products, then government should consider establishing more factories under its flagship program, One District One Factory, to produce more sanitary pads, to meet the demand”, she said.
“As a gender advocacy group, although we applaud government for making such a move, we believe that government could still do more”, she added.
This comes after the government has announced a zero rate Value Added Tax (VAT) on locally manufactured sanitary pads for the 2024 fiscal year.
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta revealed this while presenting the Budget Statement and Economic Policy for the 2024 Financial Year in Parliament on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.
He also announced import duty waivers for raw materials for the local manufacture of sanitary pads.
“The following reliefs have been prioritized for implementation: Zero rate VAT on locally produced sanitary pads, Grant import duty waivers for raw materials for the local manufacture of sanitary pads,” he stated.