By Agnes Ansah
Accra, Oct.15, GNA – Madam Genevieve Partington, Director of Amnesty International Ghana, has urged the Attorney General (AG) to lead the charge on a bill aimed at removing taxes on sanitary products.
She noted that while some Members of Parliament were currently advocating for the bill, the process could be expedited with the AG’s involvement.
Madam Partington made the call during an art exhibition held in Accra on Monday to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child.
The event, which was on the theme “Girls Vision for the Future,” aimed to highlight the essential needs of girls and ensure that their rights are upheld in all aspects of their lives.
“I really wish it was something that would come from the government, the AG’s office so that they can push for this bill to be passed” Madam Partington said.
She emphasised that Amnesty International was committed to seeing the bill passed into law, stating that it was unfair for sanitary products to be taxed as luxury goods when many young girls in rural communities cannot afford them.
Madam Partington revealed that some girls use cement paper, tissue paper, banana leaves, and other makeshift materials instead of sanitary pads.
“The government really needs to look at this because when women do not have access to sanitary products then they do not want to go to school,” she said.
The occasion also included the presentation of awards to 10 artists who won Amnesty International’s “MenstruART Competition 2024.”
Over 40 artists were challenged to use their art to depict the struggles young girls face during menstruation, with 10 being chosen as winners.
The overall winner of the competition was Ms. Angelina Ampofo Asomaning, known in the art community as “Abena Oyiwaa.”
Amnesty International noted that Ms. Asomaning’s impactful artwork titled “Purity” effectively captured the theme “Together for a Period Friendly Ghana,” emphasizing the importance of menstrual health and hygiene.
Speaking to the media, Ms. Asomaning expressed her happiness at being named the winner of the competition and urged the government to implement policies addressing menstrual hygiene.
GNA