The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana has petitioned authorities to reconsider what it deems an overly burdensome import duty structure. Despite recent strengthening of Ghana's currency, tariff rates remain unchanged at the nation's ports.
This situation has prompted importers to redirect shipments through neighbouring countries' entry points to minimise expenses. FABAG's Executive Chairman John Awuni characterised current taxation levels as counterproductive, stating: "A tax of about 53% for most of the country's goods is very unfriendly."
Awuni emphasised that such elevated duties incentivise circumvention tactics and undervaluation practices among traders. He advocated for prompt governmental intervention: "I will appeal to the tax authorities and the government in particular to look at the issue of the tax regime at the ports."
The association linked its concerns to supporting the government's newly announced round-the-clock economic programme.