The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Energy Committee, George Kwame Aboagye, has questioned the government’s priorities following its allocation of GH¢300 million for the purchase of sanitary pads.

Speaking during parliamentary debates on President John Dramani Mahama’s State of the Nation Address on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the Asene/Manso/Akroso MP criticised what he described as a “procurement spree.”

He argued that the same amount could have been used to settle land compensation for the Petroleum Hub project in Jomoro.

Aboagye accused the government of profligacy and policy incoherence, stressing that investment in the Petroleum Hub would have been more strategic.

He noted that the project could eventually support local production of sanitary pads, aligning with the government’s 24-hour economy policy.

“There is a Petroleum Hub entity that has been established in this country. This Petroleum Hub needs only GH¢300 million to start operations. These investors are looking for land titles so they can invest, and they need just GH¢300 million,” he said.

“This government is able to raise GH¢300 million to go and buy sanitary pads, whereas this enclave will employ not less than 800,000 Ghanaians when fully established,” he added.

Why cocoa farmers rejected tools worth over $100 million in 2019

According to Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye-Ofosu, the government allocated GH¢300 million for the purchase of 12 million sanitary pads.

Meanwhile, when completed, the Petroleum Hub is expected to host three refineries with a combined capacity of 900,000 barrels per stream day (BPSD), five petrochemical plants with a minimum capacity of 90,000 BPSD, storage tanks with a cumulative capacity of 10 million cubic metres, and at least two jetties to support import and export activities.

The project is projected to position Ghana as a leading petroleum and petrochemical hub in Africa, enhancing regional energy security and driving economic integration.

Auto dealers respond to 15% price cut announcement