News:
July 29, 2026
Parliament has approved the Excise Bill, 2026, a landmark tax reform that eliminates excise duties on locally produced fruit juices in a move aimed at cutting consumer prices and promoting healthier lifestyles.
The legislation, passed on Tuesday, July 28, introduces a comprehensive framework for excise duty collection on selected imported and local goods, while mandating Excise Tax Stamps on all excisable products.
Sliding Scale to Boost Local Sourcing
Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem told Parliament that the Bill introduces a sliding scale for excise duty on beer and other beverages – a strategic measure designed to encourage manufacturers to increase their use of locally sourced raw materials.
“The more raw materials you source locally to produce, the lower the rate of excise duty,” Ampem explained.
Zero-Rated Local Juices
In a significant win for domestic fruit processors, the Bill zero-rates locally manufactured fruit juices, making them more affordable for consumers.
Ampem highlighted that major producers including Blue Skies and Akumfi Juice Factory will benefit from the tax removal:
“That will bring the prices low, and it will encourage us to shift from the consumption of alcohol to fruit juices because we want to promote good health.”
Why It Matters
The government expects the new measures to:
· Boost competitiveness of locally produced fruit juices
· Increase demand for domestically grown fruits
· Strengthen agriculture-manufacturing linkages
· Encourage healthier consumer choices
Producers relying more heavily on local raw materials will enjoy reduced tax burdens, creating powerful incentives for domestic sourcing.
The Excise Bill 2026 now forms a cornerstone of the government’s broader tax reform agenda, championing local industry development, value addition, and public health promotion.
Ghanamps.com