The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has expressed appreciation to government for the planned abolition of the 20 per cent excise duty on locally manufactured fruit juices, ahead of the new regime’s expected implementation on 1 October 2026.
In a letter to the Minister for Finance, copied to the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, FABAG noted with appreciation the engagements held between government and industry stakeholders on the implementation of the new Excise Duty Act.
The Association said that at the most recent stakeholder engagement, held on Friday, 4 September 2026, industry members were informed that the reform’s implementation date is expected to be 1 October 2026.
“We look forward to the commencement of the new regime and stand ready to work closely with Government and the Ghana Revenue Authority to ensure a smooth and successful implementation,” the letter, signed by FABAG Chairman Rev John Awuni, stated.
The 20 per cent excise duty on locally manufactured fruit juices was introduced in 2023 and had been a long-standing grievance for the industry. Its removal was announced by the Finance Minister during the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, following the passage of the new Excise Duty Act by Parliament and its assent by the President. The new law also introduces a sliding-scale excise regime for beer and other beverages, rewarding manufacturers who source more raw materials locally.
FABAG assured the minister that players in the industry would respond positively to the intervention, pledging to remain committed to “expanding production, creating jobs, increasing investment, strengthening domestic value addition, and contributing their fair share of taxes to national development through full compliance with all applicable tax laws.”
The Association said it believes the policy measure will strengthen the fruit juice industry, improve competitiveness, stimulate further investment, and support revenue generation “through the broad range of taxes paid by industry.”
While noting that more remains to be done to improve the competitiveness of the Food and Beverages sector and the private sector generally, FABAG said it wanted to take special recognition of the initiative, once again expressing its “profound gratitude” to the Finance Minister, Parliament, and the President “for delivering on this commitment.”
The Association said it looks forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure the benefits of the reform translate into increased production, investment, employment creation, and sustainable growth within Ghana’s fruit juice manufacturing sector.
