Food and Beverages Association commends Ato Forson over fruit juice tax removal
The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana has commended Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson for his performance in office, particularly his decision to abolish the 20 percent excise duty on locally manufactured fruit juices.
The Association said the removal of the duty demonstrates the Minister’s responsiveness to industry concerns and commitment to supporting local fruit juice producers.
Speaking at a meeting with the Finance Minister, the Association’s Chairman, Rev. John Awuni, said members were impressed by Dr Forson’s decision to address an issue the industry had repeatedly raised under the previous administration.
“It only took you to boldly execute it. We want to commend you sincerely for that,” he said.
Rev. Awuni expressed appreciation to Dr Forson on behalf of the Association, noting that fruit juice manufacturers had advocated for the removal of the tax for several years.
Producers have argued that the 20 percent duty, introduced in 2023, increased production costs and made locally manufactured fruit juices less competitive compared with imported products.
Dr Forson announced the planned removal of the duty during the presentation of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, with the commitment subsequently reflected in legislation.
According to the Association, abolishing the duty will ease the financial burden on fruit juice manufacturers, strengthen the local industry and create more opportunities for the use of locally produced fruits.
The Finance Minister also urged the Association to collaborate with government to develop practical measures to address food gluts and provide relief for farmers.
The policy is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2026, following Parliament’s passage of the new Excise Duty Act and its subsequent presidential assent.
By Esther Padmore Amonoo
