FABAG Lauds Ato Forson's Removal of 20% Excise Duty on Local Fruit Juices
FABAG celebrates Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for abolishing the 20% excise duty on locally manufactured fruit juices in the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, a move aimed at boosting the industry and supporting producers.
The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has praised Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for his decisive action in abolishing the 20% excise duty on locally produced fruit juices. This follows the introduction of the tax in 2023, which had raised production costs and made local juices less competitive against imported brands. At a meeting with FABAG Chairman Rev. John Awuni, the Minister was commended for responding to long-standing industry calls to scrap the duty. Awuni highlighted that producers had campaigned for years to have the tax removed, arguing it unfairly burdened local manufacturers.
Dr. Forson announced the abolition during the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, signaling a shift in policy to support homegrown industries. The change will take effect on October 1, 2026, after Parliament passed the new Excise Duty Act and received presidential assent. Rev. Awuni noted that the move would ease financial pressure on juice producers and encourage greater use of locally sourced fruits. He also thanked the Minister on behalf of the Association for listening to stakeholder concerns.
The policy shift is expected to strengthen the local beverage sector and provide relief to manufacturers facing high input costs. In addition, the Minister urged FABAG to collaborate with government to address food gluts and support farmers. This engagement reflects a broader effort to bolster agriculture and industry through practical, localized solutions.
