William Boadi, the Executive Director of Educate Africa Institute (EAI), has petitioned the government to tax commercial churches and scrap taxes on sanitary products.
The petition addresses two critical issues, the taxation of churches engaging in commercial activities and the imposition of taxes on sanitary pads.
According to him, as of March 15, 2024, Ghana reportedly boasts of over 3,500 churches, many of which are involved in profit-making ventures such as consultancy services and the sale of beverages like Sobolo, marketed as symbolic of religious significance.
He explained in an open letter to the government that despite these lucrative activities, churches have managed to evade taxation, depriving the government of revenue for development initiatives.
William Boadi, speaking on behalf of concerned citizens, emphasized the necessity of holding religious institutions accountable for their commercial operations.
‘We, the undersigned citizens of Ghana, write to you with a plea for fairness and justic
e in our nation’s taxation policies.
‘As of March 15, 2024, there are reportedly 3511 churches operating within our borders, many of which engage in commercial activities such as consultations for a fee and the sale of local drinks like Sobolo, often marketed as symbolic of Jesus’s blood. Despite these profitable ventures, these churches evade taxation, depriving our government of much-needed revenue for development initiatives,’ part of the latter said.
Boadi contends that fair taxation policies for churches would ensure their equitable contribution to national development efforts.
The petition also raises alarm over the government’s decision to tax sanitary pads, essential products for women’s health and hygiene. Describing menstruation as a natural biological process, Boadi argues that taxing sanitary pads places an unjust financial burden on women, particularly disadvantaged groups who struggle to afford these necessities.
‘Furthermore, we are deeply troubled by the government’s decision to impose tax
es on sanitary pads, essential products for women’s health and hygiene. Menstruation is a natural biological occurrence, not a luxury or a business opportunity.
‘Yet, by taxing sanitary pads, the government places an unfair financial burden on women, particularly unemployed young women, who struggle to afford these necessities. This economic strain contributes to widespread challenges such as teenage pregnancies, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality,’ the letter added.
Source: Ghana Web
