Restrict Imports to Protect Local Beverage Industry — Food and Beverages Association Urges Government
Story by Nii Trebi Hammond
The Executive Secretary of the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana, Samuel Aggrey, has called for stricter restrictions and better control of the Ghanaian market to protect locally produced beverages from being pushed out by cheaper imports, particularly those smuggled into the country.
Speaking to the media at the 2024 Ghana Beverages Awards, Mr. Aggrey expressed deep concern that foreign products, especially those originating from countries like Nigeria, are flooding the local market and undercutting Ghanaian producers due to the high cost of production in Ghana.
“Most of these products are smuggled into the country. We know how they get them onto the market. The Ghana Revenue Authority says the market is open and anyone can import, but this open policy is hurting local industries,” he said.
Citing examples such as malt and soft drinks like Coca-Cola, he explained that although these beverages are produced locally under high standards, their foreign counterparts often enter the market at much lower prices, making it difficult for local companies to compete.
“Production costs in Ghana are very high, and some people take advantage of that by bringing in cheaper products from other countries to sell. We don’t want that to happen,” he emphasized.
Mr. Aggrey praised institutions like the Ghana Standards Authority and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) for maintaining quality standards for locally produced goods, but cautioned that imported products often imitate Ghanaian brands and may be of inferior quality.
“Thanks to the FDA and the Ghana Standards Authority, we produce some of the best beverages in the world. But some of these imported products—often made in hidden areas—do not meet the same standards and may pose risks to consumers.”
He further warned that unless effective measures are taken to reduce smuggling and lower the cost of production for local industries, Ghana risks losing its beverage market to foreign competitors.
“If smuggling is reduced and local production becomes more affordable, our industries will thrive and meet the satisfaction of Ghanaian consumers,” he concluded. Mr. Aggrey called for a policy rethink to ensure that local producers are protected, and that Ghana can also grow its capacity to export quality beverages across the region.
