{
  "id": 10963676,
  "title": "FABAG commends Ato Forson’s over removal of 20% excise duty on locally manufactured fruit juices",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/fabag-commends-ato-forsons-over-removal-of-20-excise-duty-on-locally-10963676",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-30T13:55:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Joy Business",
    "slug": "joy-business",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/fabag-commends-ato-forsons-over-removal-of-20-excise-duty-on-locally-manufactured-fruit-juices/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has lauded Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for his actions, specifically his decision to eliminate the 20% excise duty on locally produced fruit juices. This move showcases the Minister's attentiveness to industry issues and his determination to bolster local fruit juice producers. During a meeting with Dr. Forson, FABAG Chairman Rev. John Awuni expressed the Association's admiration for the Minister's bold decision, acknowledging its importance after years of advocacy from fruit juice manufacturers. The 20% duty, implemented in 2023, was argued to raise production costs and hinder the competitiveness of locally manufactured juices against imported alternatives. Dr. Forson had disclosed his intention to abolish the duty during the presentation of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, promising its removal through legislation. FABAG believes this decision will alleviate financial burdens on juice manufacturers, bolster the domestic industry, and offer more opportunities for locally grown fruits. The government's commitment to this policy becomes effective on October 1, 2026, after Parliament passed the new Excise Duty Act and the President approved it.",
  "summary": "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 a concern the industry had raised repeatedly under the previous administration.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "FABAG commends Ato Forson’s over removal of 20% excise duty on locally manufactured fruit juices",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/fabag-commends-ato-forsons-over-removal-of-20-excise-duty-on-locally",
        "published": "2026-09-30T13:55:45.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}