The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has urged government to refrain from introducing new taxes in the upcoming 2026 Budget, warning that excessive taxation is crippling the industry.
In a statement issued ahead of the budget presentation, the Association said the sector is already struggling under high import duties, rising production costs, unstable exchange rates, and inflationary pressures. It warned that the situation is threatening jobs and Ghana’s attractiveness to investors.
FABAG called on the Minister of Finance to eliminate or reduce so-called “nuisance taxes”, including the COVID-19 levy, excise duties, Environmental Excise Tax, and container fumigation fees.
“The cumulative taxes have raised the cost of doing business, undermined competitiveness, and encouraged smuggling of cheaper imports,” the statement read.
The Association insisted that businesses are overburdened and cannot absorb further taxation.
“We expect a firm assurance from government that no new taxes will be introduced in 2026,” FABAG stated.
Instead, the group urged the government to improve tax collection efficiency, expand the tax net, and promote local manufacturing. It also called for stable exchange rates, inflation control, and a more predictable policy environment.
FABAG advised the government to streamline the overlapping roles of agencies such as the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to reduce bureaucracy and operational costs.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national growth, noting that a business-friendly 2026 Budget could “stimulate investment, enhance revenue, and improve the welfare of Ghanaians.”
