The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has praised the government’s new directive restricting certain transit goods from entering the country through land borders, but says products such as fruit juice could soon fall under the same controls.
In a statement, FABAG commended the Ministry of Finance and Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson for introducing the measure, which requires goods including rice, sugar, flour, textiles, spaghetti, and tomato paste to enter Ghana only through seaports.
According to the association, the directive is a timely step toward addressing longstanding problems of smuggling, revenue losses, and the misclassification of goods that have affected Ghana’s trading environment for years.
FABAG explained that the country has lost significant revenue because some traders declare imported goods as transit cargo meant for neighbouring countries. These goods, however, are often diverted into the local market without the payment of the appropriate duties and taxes.
The group noted that such practices deprive the state of much-needed revenue while putting legitimate manufacturers, importers, and distributors who follow tax and regulatory requirements at a disadvantage.
The association said routing the affected goods through seaports will strengthen monitoring, inspection, and documentation processes, making it more difficult for traders to divert shipments or smuggle products into the country.
FABAG also called on the Ghana Revenue Authority, particularly its Ghana Customs Division, and other border agencies to strictly enforce the directive.
While welcoming the move, the association urged the government to consider expanding the restrictions to include fruit juices and related products. It warned that some traders could try to bypass the directive by deliberately misclassifying restricted goods under different product categories.
FABAG said extending the policy would help close possible loopholes and ensure the directive achieves its goal of protecting government revenue and supporting local manufacturers.
The association emphasized that smuggling and deliberate misclassification of goods have caused major economic losses in Ghana over the years. These activities, it added, undermine revenue mobilisation, distort fair competition, and threaten the survival of businesses operating within the formal sector.
FABAG described the directive as a significant step toward improving discipline, transparency, and accountability in Ghana’s trade and customs systems, and urged authorities to remain vigilant to ensure the policy delivers its intended economic benefits.
