The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has expressed his disappointment with the government for not withdrawing taxes on sanitary pads during the mid-year budget review.

He had previously urged the government to take advantage of the review to eliminate these taxes, but the Finance Minister's presentation on Monday did not include such a provision.

During a debate in Parliament, when the Member of Parliament for Sefwi Akontombra, Alex Tetteh Djornobuah, attempted to defend the imposition of taxes on sanitary pads, the Speaker reacted strongly to the matter.

He called on the government and future administrations to seriously reconsider the taxes on sanitary pads.

Bagbin highlighted that these taxes apply not only to imported sanitary pads but also to locally produced ones, including the raw materials used in production.

He emphasized the negative impact these taxes have on local businesses, with some even having to shut down due to the financial burden.

The Speaker voiced his strong opposition to taxing essential feminine hygiene products, stating that he would not support such taxation, especially on items used by women, including his own mother. He stressed that the state should address this matter seriously.

Bagbin also pointed out that in other countries, there are instances where sanitary pads are provided for free or where heavy taxes on such products have been removed. He called on all future governments to reconsider these taxes, asserting that they disproportionately affect the poor while sparing the wealthy.

This issue has drawn widespread attention, with many stakeholders advocating for the government to abolish taxes on sanitary pads.