The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has raised alarms over the rising tide of illegal food imports, calling on the government to take swift and decisive action to strengthen border controls and curb food smuggling.
According to FABAG, the unchecked influx of smuggled goods is not only eroding government revenue but also undermining legitimate businesses, creating an uneven playing field for local industry players.
Speaking to the press, FABAG’s Executive Chairman, John Awuni, highlighted the severe impact of food smuggling on both the economy and domestic producers.
“Unscrupulous business people are smuggling goods across illegal borders, which has become a significant issue for the major business community. Smuggling is eroding potential government revenue, and if the government examines the revenue from certain commodities, it will realize there has been a decline,” he underscored.
Key commodities affected include sugar, rice, and cooking oil, which Awuni says are being illegally imported, avoiding taxes and undercutting local suppliers.
With Ghana facing macroeconomic pressures, the government is already under pressure to boost domestic revenue and support local industries. Analysts argue that tightening import regulations and enforcing border security will be critical in preventing further financial leakages and ensuring that local businesses remain competitive.
FABAG’s call for action comes as policymakers seek to balance trade liberalization with industry protection, ensuring that legitimate businesses are not forced out of the market due to illegal competition.
As the debate intensifies, industry stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the government responds to this growing economic and regulatory challenge.
