Parliament removes excise duty on locally produced fruit juices

Parliament has passed the Excise Bill, 2026, approving a zero excise duty policy for locally manufactured fruit juices as part of measures to reduce prices, promote healthier consumption and support Ghana’s agro-processing industry.

The law also sets out rules for how excise taxes will be charged and collected on certain imported and locally manufactured products that attract the tax.

It also retains the mandatory use of Excise Tax Stamps on applicable products to improve compliance and enhance revenue administration.

Presenting the Bill to Parliament on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, said the amendment introduces an incentive-based excise system for beer and other beverages, under which tax rates will be determined by the level of locally sourced raw materials used in production.

Parliament approves tax relief for minimum wage earners

He explained that manufacturers that rely more on local inputs would benefit from reduced excise rates.

According to him, the policy is expected to increase demand for locally produced agricultural commodities while helping manufacturers reduce their dependence on imported materials.

He also announced that locally produced fruit juices, including products from companies such as Blue Skies and Akumfi, would no longer attract excise duty.

“We are removing taxes on juices, local juices that are produced here, and so our Blue Skies, our Akumfi juice factory, will all be zero-rated,” he stated.

He said the move would help lower the cost of locally produced fruit juices and encourage consumers to choose healthier options.

The government believes removing the tax on locally made fruit juices will help Ghanaian juice companies compete better, create more markets for farmers who grow fruits, and strengthen the link between farming and food processing businesses.

The new tax system will also encourage beverage companies to use more local raw materials by providing incentives to businesses that support local production.

The Excise Bill, 2026, forms part of the government’s broader plan to grow industries, create jobs and add value to locally produced goods.

DR/MA