Smugglers now control Ghana's rice and sugar market – Importers raise alarm

Importers have raised the alarm that smugglers have taken control of Ghana’s rice and sugar market, warning that government inaction has allowed illegal trade to spiral out of control.

According to the Chairman of the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG), John Awuni, the alarming levels of smuggled goods entering the country through unapproved routes are destroying legitimate businesses and draining millions of cedis from state coffers.

Citing Aflao and Elubo as hotspots where smuggling has become rampant, he blamed weak enforcement and bureaucratic delays for the worsening situation.

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“Smuggling constitutes economic sabotage. Ghana cannot continue to lose revenue and jobs because of negligence in enforcing trade laws. The government’s silence and inaction are tantamount to complicity. The time to act is now,” the FABAG Chairman told GhanaWeb Business on November 17, 2025.

“If this trend continues unchecked, the formal food import sector as well as local rice production will collapse. Government will not only lose vital revenue for development, but our agricultural sector will also suffer massively. Ghana deserves transparent, robust enforcement measures to combat illicit trade,” Awuni added.

FABAG therefore called on the government to take immediate steps to protect the economy by combating illicit trade and safeguarding public health.

SA/MA

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