FABAG supports cross-border trade, raises concerns over smuggling
By Nii Trebi Hammond
The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has clarified that its recent comments on smuggling were not an attack on legitimate cross-border traders but a call to address illicit activities undermining the country’s genuine businesses.
The clarification follows a rebuttal from the National Cross-Border Women Traders Association, which described FABAG’s claims as false and said the comments unfairly targeted its members, most of whom operate through Ghana’s land borders.
Speaking on the Business Breakfast on ZED101.9FM, the General Secretary of FABAG, Mr Samuel Ato Aggrey, explained that the Association’s earlier statement had been misconstrued.
He said FABAG’s concerns were directed at individuals engaged in illegal trading activities that distort the market and threaten the survival of legitimate operators.
“The narrative has to change. It is not the way Oscar [National Coordinator, Cross-Border Women Traders Association] and his group are presenting it. We are not attacking cross-border trade. The issue we raised concerns people who are doing illicit businesses that are affecting cross-border trade,” Mr Aggrey stated.
He cited examples of smuggled products such as unverified petroleum and counterfeit beverages that enter the market disguised as legitimate imports, posing risks to both businesses and consumers.
“Somebody produces the same thing in the same gallon and under the same name, and it comes in as though you imported it. We cannot even authenticate the source or quality, yet it bears your name. That is not fair to genuine traders,” Mr Aggrey explained.
He called for stronger collaboration among relevant stakeholders to address smuggling and protect lawful traders, urging unity instead of division between associations.
“Let us come together and fight from where we stand, meet at the centre, and eliminate it. The statement we issued is not about cross-border trade. It is about people working under the darkness and we need to fish them out,” Mr Aggrey said.
FABAG had earlier warned that Ghana continues to lose significant revenue through smuggling, particularly at unapproved entry points. The Association is calling for enhanced enforcement mechanisms and closer coordination among border agencies to curb the menace.
Meanwhile, the Cross-Border Women Traders Association insists its members operate within legal frameworks and should not be associated with smuggling.
The Association has also called for broader stakeholder engagement to address the concerns raised and promote fair trade across the borders.
