Anita De Sooso calls for more taxes on condoms

The National Women's Organizer of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) Anita De Sosoo has suggested that government imposes more taxes on condoms to ensure discipline in relationships in the country.

Ms De Sosoo believes that if more taxes are imposed on condoms, it will reduce the large number of single mothers in Ghana.

The national women’s organizer of NDC was speaking Monday on Adom FM’s morning show ‘Dwaso Nsem’.

She stressed that more taxes on condom will prevent people from engaging in rampant and irresponsible sexual behaviour.

Many people have criticized government over the decision to impose taxes on a number of items, including condoms in its quest to raise more revenue. Among other adjectives, the former Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South, Stephen Balado Manu described the tax as “insensitive.”

Mr. Balado Manu stated that taxes on condoms and other items such as bathroom slippers would pose a big challenge to ordinary Ghanaians.

He noted that elsewhere, condoms are given out free so that people, who do not have money, but have the biological urge to engage in sex can have condoms to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases.

But, Anita De Sosoo has strongly disagreed with Hon. Balado Manu over his suggestions.

She believes the imposition of taxes on condoms will deter people who have taken advantage of the cheap price of condoms to engage in promiscuous behaviour.

Meanwhile, the National Women’s Organizer of the New Patriotic Party, Otiko Afisah Djaba has described Anita’s stand as “disappointing”, especially coming from the women’s organizer of a national party.

She wondered what would happen to government’s budget allocation to control births and fight against HIV AIDS if government, on another breath, is taxing the very means used for birth control.

Another panel member, who is also a member of the communication team of the Progressive People's Party, Charles Owusu also weighed in on the issue, saying it was surprising that government would seek to impose a tax on condoms.