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‘Removal of tax on locally manufactured pads insignificant
Ms Osam
The removal of tax on locally manufactured pads by the government is insignificant, the Managing Director of Reflo Company Limited, producers of Reflos sanitary pad and baby diapers, Ms Rebecca Osam,has said.
This, she said was due to the fact that only a small percentage of pads used were produced locally. She said majority of the productswere imported.
Consequently, she proposed that government should consider removing taxes on imported sanitary pads to make them affordable.
Ms Osam said this in an interview with the Spectator in Accra last week.
The Minister of Finance, Mr Ken Ofori Atta in his budget statement to Parliamentlast week announced that locally manufactured sanitary pads will no longer attract Value Added Tax (VAT).
He added that government would be scrapping import tax on raw materials for thelocal manufacture of sanitary pads.
But Ms Osam said the removal of VAT on locally produced sanitary pads would positively benefit only local producers.
However, she said since a small fraction of sanitary pads used were produced locally, the tax relief would not be felt by the users.
“Majority of sanitary pads are being manufactured internationally and importerswould still bear the VAT cost, thereby affecting their final prices.”
“I will continue to advocate the removal of taxes on all sanitary pads. These are essential products for women, not luxuries,” Ms Osam said.
Meanwhile in an interview with a cross section of women in Accra, they lauded government’s idea of zero tax on locally made sanitary pads, saying “we hope the market women will reduce the prices of locally manufactured pads.”
Ms Naomi Agyeman, a National Service Person with the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) said it was a good idea for government to remove taxes on locally manufactured pads.
She was of the view that it will help reduce the price and also be affordable for the less privileged and students.
She urged local manufacturers to either maintain or improve the standards of the pads to increase its presence on the market.
Ms Veronica Adwoa Mensah, a student said, “I think that is a good step taken by the government. As females, pads are very important for us and it becomes difficult for us to purchase when the prices are high.”
She was optimistic that with the zero tax, prices of locally manufactured pads will be reduced and also urged government to consider taking taxes off imported sanitary pads too.
Ms Pamela Davodzie, a student, said she will definitely purchase locally manufactured pad when the quality is good at the expense of the foreign ones
By Elizabeth Agyeibea Ackon
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
