Ato Forson commended by Food and Beverages Association over juice tax abolition

The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana has praised Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for his actions in office, particularly his decision to eliminate the 20 percent excise duty on locally produced fruit juices. The Association's Chairman, Rev. John Awuni, expressed his appreciation during a meeting, commending Dr. Forson for addressing an industry concern that had been raised repeatedly under the previous administration.

The removal of the tax, introduced in 2023, was seen as a response to the industry's concerns about increased production costs and reduced competitiveness of locally manufactured fruit juices compared to imported alternatives. Dr. Forson announced the planned abolition during the presentation of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, a commitment that has since been reflected in legislation.

The Association believes the removal of the duty will provide relief to fruit juice manufacturers, bolster the local industry, and create more opportunities for the use of locally produced fruits. Dr. Forson also encouraged the Association to collaborate with the government to find practical solutions to manage food surpluses and alleviate the financial burden on farmers.

The new Excise Duty Act, which will take effect on October 1, 2026, after receiving parliamentary approval and presidential endorsement, will implement this policy.