FABAG Urges Immediate Suspension of Ghana Easy Pass Programme Over Rising Business Costs

The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has issued a stern appeal to President John Dramani Mahama, calling for the immediate suspension of the Ghana Standards Authority’s (GSA) new Ghana Easy Pass Programme. The association describes the mandatory pre-export conformity verification regime as an unnecessary bureaucratic hurdle that threatens to increase the cost of doing business and, consequently, the price of essential goods for consumers. FABAG argues that the timing of the initiative is particularly poorly chosen, given the existing economic pressures and the high rate of inflation currently impacting the Ghanaian market.

At the core of the association's opposition is the claim that the programme is essentially "another tax by another name." FABAG asserts that the mandatory verification system duplicates the functions of existing regulatory bodies that are already equipped and responsible for certifying the safety and quality of imported goods. By introducing another layer of certification, the GSA is seen as imposing additional financial and administrative burdens on importers. The association warns that these extra costs will inevitably be passed on to the final consumer, exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis and undermining government efforts to foster a more conducive environment for business growth.

Furthermore, FABAG has expressed frustration over the lack of meaningful consultation, suggesting that the policy contradicts the broader objective of improving the ease of doing business in Ghana. The association highlighted that importers are already grappling with rising operational costs and utility tariffs, and the introduction of mandatory pre-export fees will only lead to further shipment delays and financial strain. They are urging the government to prioritize strengthening existing quality assurance institutions rather than creating new, redundant verification schemes. The association concludes by calling for fresh, transparent dialogue between the government and the business community to find viable solutions that ensure product standards without penalizing the private sector.