Editorial
Reduce taxes on sanitary products
Dear Editor,
Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) recently called on the Ministry of Finance to scrap taxes on sanitary pads as the taxes have made the product very “expensive and inaccessible to many low-income households.”
They further indicated that the high prices could in the long run have dire consequences on girls, especially those in schools and, therefore, maintained that the finance minister should factor the removal of the taxes in the 2021 budget.
But these appeals seem to have fallen on deaf ears as the budget presented to Parliament last month was silent on the removal of taxes. It is unfortunate that the prices of sanitary products keep increasing and I wonder if there would soon be any form of intervention.
The Population and Housing Census revealed that women constituted about 49 per cent of the country’s population so I thought the government would listen and take action on issues affecting women.
Although the budget could not capture this important concern, I want to urge stakeholders to keep pushing for a reduction in the prices of sanitary products and possibly stage a demonstration if the taxes on the product become unbearable.
The Gender Ministry, should among other things, lead this cause to help bring some relief to women who continue to battle other social and economic challenges.
Priscilla Efriyie Ankapong,
Cape Coast.
Dear Editor,
THE Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced that most Senior High Schools (SHSs) will return to the single-track system by this month.
For many students and parents, this feels like a relief. But before we move on, we must take a moment to reflect.
The double-track system helped thousands of students get into schools. It gave hope to families who couldn’t afford private education. But it also came with challenges.
Some students had shorter terms, others had longer breaks. Teachers were stretched, and learning felt rushed. Many students felt left behind not because they didn’t try, but because the system didn’t give them enough time.
Now that we’re returning to single-track, let’s make sure we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. We need more classrooms, better planning, and support for teachers.
Education is not just about getting into school. It’s about feeling safe and supported. Let’s build a system that gives every child a real chance.
Beatrice Princess Kpeglah,
Dansoman
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Dear Editor
As it is critical for preserving our surroundings, there is the urgent need for increased awareness and action to protect Ghana’s environment and resources.
Ghana’s forest reserves, vast savannas and scenic coastlines serve as homes and habitats to a wide range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species.
Our vegetation and rich soil deposits provide the nation with food, plants and animal resources, which ensures food availability and accessibility for the population.
However, the country’s environment is facing numerous threats including deforestation, overexploitation, pollution, etc.
The importance of environmental conservation cannot be overstated; our natural resources are the backbone of our economy, playing a vital role in driving the country’s economic growth and development.
It is therefore critical that we take actions to protect them for our future generations.
There is the need for collective action to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
Environmentalists, various organizations and private individuals must come on board to promote environmental conservation, through tree planting exercises, clean-up campaigns, and resource conservation practices.
These efforts, when carried out effectively, would create a long-lasting impact in protecting and conserving the country’s environment.
The Ghanaian government should also implement policies and conduct regular programmes aimed at promoting environmental conservation.
By Theresa Tsetse Dzifa,
Bubiashie
