The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has urged the government to eliminate all duties on essential commodities imported into the country.
This appeal comes amid growing concerns over food insecurity, driven by the ongoing drought in northern Ghana and recent developments in Nigeria, where the government has removed duties on essential food items.
Nigeria’s decision to implement a duty-free policy on imported food items is part of its Presidential Accelerated and Stabilization Advancement Plan, aimed at curbing rising food inflation and FABAG believes Ghana should adopt a similar approach.
The Association is advocating for the removal of duties on essential items like rice, maize, and oil.
This measure is expected to alleviate the financial burden on households, improve food accessibility, and reduce the negative impact of malnutrition on vulnerable populations.
Executive Chairman of FABAG, John Awuni, also called on the government to prioritize this move to enhance the standard of living for Ghanaians.
“The government should be encouraged to take similar action by removing import duties on essential food items, allowing these goods to be imported, and ensuring they are not re-exported. This will lead to a significant reduction in the prices of essential food items in the market.
“As it stands, the rate at which prices are increasing is unbearable, critically affecting the incomes and lives of people. The cost of living has become very challenging,” he stated.
Source: Adomonline
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