The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local industries by ensuring that the production of sanitary pads for its free distribution initiative will be sourced from Ghanaian manufacturers.

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Minister for Trade and Agro Business, Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, emphasized this approach while addressing the economic impact of the policy. Her comments come in response to the GH₵292.4 million allocation announced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson in the 2025 budget, aimed at providing free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools.

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Speaking in an interview with The Independent Ghana, Minister Ofosu-Agyare underscored the initiative’s broader economic significance beyond menstrual health support.

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"This is a good budget," she stated. "It is good in the sense that there is something in it for everybody. And let me tell you one thing—free pads are not just for the benefit of the girl child. No. This policy is also beneficial to the industry because His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has made it clear that the government will use its purchasing power to support locally made products. That means nearly GH₵300 million will remain in the economy to benefit the private sector since we will source all the pads from Ghana."

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She further highlighted how the policy will contribute to job creation and economic stability by reducing dependency on imports.

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"We are going to create more jobs. It means we will stabilize our cedi because we won’t have to exchange money to import pads. And when local manufacturers profit, they will expand and even export more," she explained.

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In addition to prioritizing local production, the budget includes measures to strengthen collaboration between the government and private businesses, particularly in addressing industry concerns regarding taxation and financial regulations.

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"One of the challenges industries have raised is access to the Finance Ministry and GRA," the minister noted. "Now, the minister has stated that there will be quarterly meetings between the GRA, the Finance Ministry, and the private sector. Guess what? I will always be there to champion the cause of the private sector."

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She assured businesses that these engagements would create a more transparent and supportive regulatory environment.

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"This will give a lot of confidence to businesses operating in Ghana. They will have direct access to the Ministry of Finance and GRA so that tax issues affecting their sectors can be resolved quickly," she added.

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The minister reaffirmed that the government’s push for industrial growth extends beyond sanitary pad production, emphasizing its long-term commitment to strengthening local manufacturing.

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"We have set the tone well, and the resetting agenda has begun. Ghana is ready for business," she concluded.

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The decision to support local manufacturers aligns with ongoing advocacy efforts to make menstrual hygiene products more accessible. In September 2023, a private member’s bill was introduced in Parliament to amend the VAT (Amendment) Act, 2022 (Act 1082), seeking the removal of the 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) on sanitary pads and tampons.

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