AGI opens talks with Finance Ministry over ABL tax crisis, demands urgent resolution

The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has entered into discussions with the Ministry of Finance regarding a tax dispute involving Accra Brewery Limited (ABL). AGI President Seth Twum Akwaboah stated that the issue extends beyond ABL and could have broader implications for alcoholic beverage manufacturers who rely on locally sourced raw materials.

AGI President Seth Twum Akwaboah clarified that the government did not intentionally target ABL with the tax policy, emphasizing that policies are generally not crafted to single out specific companies. The government's aim may have been to generate revenue by adjusting tax rates, but Akwaboah argued that businesses need to highlight potential unintended consequences.

The AGI emphasized the importance of the sliding scale tax regime, which supports manufacturers using local materials, and stressed the need to protect this policy due to its positive impact on local value chains. The AGI has already received a petition concerning the matter and is engaging with government officials to find a resolution.