GHANA – The American Chamber of Commerce and the Spain-Ghana Chamber of Commerce have issued a joint statement expressing serious concerns over the illegal importation of canned and PET-packaged beverages into Ghana.
The chambers warned that this illicit trade is posing significant threats to the country’s economy and public health.
The illegal activity, which reportedly involves smuggled products from neighboring countries, is undercutting legitimate beverage manufacturers and depriving the government of vital tax revenue.
According to Statista, revenue for the beverage market segment is expected to reach US$1.24 billion this year, making the illicit trade a threat to the sector.
Of particular concern are Coca-Cola products, which the chambers claim are among the most affected by the smuggling operations.
The contraband beverages are being sold without the required tax stamps at prices far below market rates, indicating a sophisticated operation that bypasses customs duties, excise taxes, and other government levies.
“This illegal activity threatens the survival of legitimate beverage manufacturers and undermines government revenue through taxation,” the chambers stated in their joint press release.
The long-term economic impact extends beyond immediate financial losses, potentially discouraging future investments in Ghana’s manufacturing sector.
In addition to the economic repercussions, the chambers highlighted serious public health risks.
According to the chambers, these smuggled products circumvent established health and safety protocols, leaving consumers vulnerable to potential risks.
“The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) cannot verify the quality of these beverages, as they bypass established health regulatory processes,” the statement warned.
The crisis is also affecting the reputation of authorized dealers and franchisees, as inferior products are being falsely passed off as legitimate in the market. T
he chambers stressed that the problem is widespread, impacting major urban centers including Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Takoradi.
To combat this growing issue, the chambers are calling for a coordinated response from multiple government agencies. They urged the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and its Customs Division to take decisive action to halt the smuggling.
Additionally, they called for the involvement of the Food and Drugs Authority, local authorities, and market leaders to safeguard brands and protect government revenue.
The chambers also appealed to the Ministry of Trade and Industry to address the “unfair trade practices” contributing to this crisis.
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