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Make sanitary products affordable for all – CSO platform on SDGs urges government
The Ghana CSOs Platform on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has appealed to the government to help make sanitary products affordable to all women and girls.
Sanitary products currently attract 32.5 per cent tax on imported sanitary pads, which is made up of 20 per cent import duty and 12.5 per cent Value Added Tax.
A statement signed by Ms. Levlyn Konadu Levlyn, National Coordinator of the Platform urged the Ministry of Finance and the government to “as a matter of urgency scrap the import tax on sanitary pads and reclassify the product as ‘essential social goods’ which is Zero rated.”
The Platform again urged African countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa to remove taxes on the same products.
The statement was issued in commemoration of this year’s Menstrual Hygiene Day themed: “Making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030.”
“Women’s and adolescent girls’ ability to care for their bodies while menstruating is, an essential part of this fundamental human right. Poor menstrual health and hygiene therefore, represent an affront to this right, including the right to work and go to school,” the Platform noted.
It maintained that insufficient resources to manage menstruation, such as sanitary pads and clean water, worsened the already existing social and economic inequalities and undermines the dignity and confidence of girls and women”.
The Platform, therefore, called for comprehensive effort aimed at making sanitary products affordable and intensifying public education on menstruation.
While calling for policies that eliminate “period poverty,” the organisation again urged the media to continue encouraging open dialogue on menstruation and help break the stigma.
The Ghana CSOs Platform on the SDGs aims is to contribute to “building a fairer, healthier, gender-responsive Ghana that acknowledges and works towards achieving the vision for sanitation and hygiene under Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals.”
By Spectator Reporter
News
Ibrahim Mahama meets 13-year-old KNUST prodigy from Bole
Business mogul and philanthropist Mr. Ibrahim Mahama has met with 13-year-old Melchizedek Adio Baafawiise, the youngest student ever admitted to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
The meeting, held in Accra on Monday, February 3, 2025, brought together Melchizedek and his parents for an inspiring conversation about education, ambition, and the future of science in Ghana.
During the meeting, Mr. Ibrahim Mahama, a strong advocate for youth empowerment and academic excellence, commended the young physics prodigy for his remarkable achievements.
Melchizedek, who hails from Bole in the Savannah Region, made headlines after scoring an impressive 5 As and 3 Bs in the WASSCE at just 13 years old, earning him a place at KNUST to study for a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics.
As part of an effort to nurture his passion for science and mining engineering, Mr. Ibrahim Mahama offered Melchizedek an exclusive learning experience aboard one of his private jets.
The young scholar was taken into the cockpit whilst being flown back to Kumasi enroute to campus, where he got a firsthand look at the technical operations of an aircraft, aligning with his deep interest in physics and aerospace engineering.
Beyond offering mentorship, Ibrahim Mahama also pledged full educational funding for Melchizedek to support his studies at KNUST and beyond.
Mr. Ibrahim Mahama assured the young prodigy and his family that he would cover all tuition, accommodation, and essential academic expenses to ensure he reaches his full potential without financial barriers.
His parents expressed their gratitude to Mr. Ibrahim Mahama for taking an interest in their son’s academic journey, providing him with a unique opportunity to explore aviation technology up close, and securing his future with financial assistance.
Mr. Ibrahim Mahama encouraged Melchizedek to continue striving for excellence, assuring him of his unwavering support.
“Young minds like Melchizedek are the future of Ghana. It is our responsibility to support and nurture them so they can reach their full potential,” he stated.
By Rafik Mahama
News
Ghana Tourism Authority welcomes new CEO, Maame Efua Houadjeto
Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has officially welcomed its new Chief Executive Officer(CEO),Maame Efua Houadjeto who was recently appointed by the President.
This took place during a brief ceremony at the GTA Head Office in Accra today.
She succeeds former CEO Akwasi Agyeman, who resigned after eight years of outstanding leadership.
In her new role, Maame Efua will focus on expanding and strengthening industry collaborations while advocating for sustainable tourism initiatives.
She is committed to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity within the organization.
“I am honored to join Ghana Tourism Authority at this pivotal moment,” Maame Efua Houadjeto said.
“The institution has a rich history of promoting Ghana as a premier travel destination and ensuring industry excellence. I look forward to working with the talented team to further elevate our impact on the global tourism sector, ” she added.
Maame Efua will focus on expanding and strengthening industry collaborations while advocating for sustainable tourism initiatives in her new role. She is committed to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity within the organization.
Prior to joining GTA, Maame Efua Houadjeto served as the CEO of Image Consortium Group, Managing Director, and Creative Director of IE Design.
She was also the General Manager of MPlaza Hotel in 2002, bringing with her a wealth of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry.
