What the rules provide
Ghana's 2024 budget, presented in November 2023, zero-rated locally produced sanitary pads for VAT and waived import duties on the raw materials for their manufacture; imported finished pads, which make up most of the market, still carry import duty, VAT and levies, which campaigners continue to contest. In 2025 the government launched a free sanitary pad programme for girls in basic and senior high schools, the first national scheme of its kind in the country. There is no menstrual leave in the Labour Act.
Endometriosis is treated in the gynaecology departments of the teaching hospitals in Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast and Tamale and in private clinics; laparoscopy is available in a few centres. The National Health Insurance Scheme covers consultations and some surgery in accredited facilities, with exclusions and out-of-pocket costs. Patient groups campaign for awareness.
Reusable pads are promoted by NGOs in rural areas; nothing is reimbursed.
Key points
| VAT and duties | Locally produced pads zero-rated since the 2024 budget; imported pads still taxed |
|---|---|
| Schools | National free sanitary pad programme for schoolgirls launched in 2025 |
| Menstrual leave | None |
| Endometriosis | Teaching hospitals and private clinics; NHIS covers part of care |
| Reusable products | NGO programmes |
In practice
- Ask the school whether it receives the government pads and how they are distributed.
- Locally made brands benefit from the tax relief; imported ones do not.
- For pelvic pain, a teaching hospital gynaecology clinic is the reliable route; check what NHIS covers before surgery.
What it costs
A cycle costs roughly 15 to 40 cedis in disposables, more for imported brands. Free pads for schoolgirls under the 2025 programme; nothing otherwise reimbursed.
What has changed recently
The 2024 budget relief for local production was followed in 2025 by the free school programme; the tax on imported pads remains a live campaign.
Where to find help
- Ghana Revenue Authority: VAT and duty rules.
- Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service: free sanitary pad programme.
- Teaching hospital gynaecology departments.
- NGOs and patient groups on menstrual health and endometriosis.
Worth knowing
The relief applies to local production; check the origin on the pack if price matters. And a school programme depends on delivery: ask.
Frequently asked questions
Are sanitary pads taxed in Ghana?
Locally produced pads are zero-rated for VAT since the 2024 budget; imported pads still carry duties and VAT.
Are pads free for schoolgirls?
A national free programme for basic and senior high schools started in 2025.
Is there menstrual leave?
No.
Official sources and links
- Ghana Education Service — free sanitary pad programme — national programme launched in 2025
- Ghana Revenue Authority — VAT and duty rules
- Ghana.gov — official government portal