Ohemaa Appeaa Sarpomaa Kumakuma 1, the Queen Mother of Akyem Dwenase and CEO of the Appeaa Sarpomaa Kumakuma 1 Foundation, has called on the government to urgently remove all taxes on sanitary products. During a menstrual hygiene awareness event organized by her foundation, she outlined several compelling reasons for this demand: Ohemaa Sarpomaa Kumakuma 1 highlighted the severe health risks associated with using unconventional materials such as rags, cement paper, and toilet rolls during menstruation. “These alternatives are uncomfortable and can lead to infections,” she stated, emphasizing the need for proper sanitary products to protect young girls’ health.
Many girls struggle to afford sanitary pads, often saving from their limited allowances. The Queen Mother stressed the need for policies to make sanitary pads more affordable, as financial constraints prevent many from accessing these essential items. The Queen Mother pointed out that without proper sanitary products, girls often have their clothes stained with blood, leading to social isolation and ridicule from peers.
This stigma negatively impacts their self-esteem and school attendance. The lack of accessible sanitary products has led to some men exploiting young girls, impregnating them in exchange for pads. Eliminating taxes on these products would make them more accessible and reduce the vulnerability of young girls to such exploitation.
Girls frequently miss school during their menstrual periods due to ina.
