The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) is advocating for an increase in excise duties on imported sugary products, describing it as a dual-purpose measure that can improve public health outcomes and restore competitiveness for local food and beverage manufacturers.
The AGI argues that while Ghana urgently needs to address the rising consumption of sugar and its associated health risks, any policy intervention must be carefully calibrated to avoid placing additional strain on domestic producers who are already battling high production costs.
This position emerged during an AGI roundtable on Low- and No-Calorie Sweeteners held in Accra, which brought together industrialists, policymakers, health professionals and representatives of international industry bodies to deliberate on the future of sweeteners, food regulation and industrial growth.
President of the AGI, Dr. Kofi Nsiah Poku, says the conversation around healthy diets and sugar reduction cannot be separated from Ghana’s broader nutritional reality and economic conditions. He notes that Ghanaian diets remain heavily carbohydrate-based, and that any attempt to reshape consumption patterns must be grounded in education and a realistic understanding of what people can afford.
He cautions that overly rigid regulations from health authorities could have unintended consequences for food availability and affordability if not balanced with industrial and consumer realities.
“If the Ministry of Health policies are too strict and stringent, it means food will not be easily available for people because it will not be very much affordable. And therefore if we agree and we have a balance, then we can really look at it.”
Dr. Poku
According to him, the goal should be to find a middle ground that promotes healthier choices while ensuring that food remains accessible and that local manufacturers can continue to operate sustainably.
He says the conversation must also look beyond domestic production to the impact of imported sugary products, which he believes distort the market and put local companies at a disadvantage. For the AGI, higher excise duties on imported sugary finished products would serve as a corrective measure.
Such a move, the Association argues, would discourage excessive importation of high-sugar goods, encourage healthier consumption, and give Ghanaian manufacturers a fairer opportunity to compete and grow.
Local Manufacturers Need Protective Policies to Face Higher Cost
Dr. Nsiah Poku explains that local food and beverage companies are operating in a challenging environment marked by high energy costs, expensive raw materials, currency pressures and high taxes. Adding strict health related standards without accompanying protective measures would only worsen their plight, he adds.
He is therefore calling for a coordinated policy approach where the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Food and Drugs Authority and industry players work together to align health objectives with industrial growth and consumer welfare.
The AGI President emphasizes that the Association is not opposed to regulation, but wants regulation that is pragmatic, evidence-based and supportive of local industry.
On the question of standards and compliance, Chief Executive Officer of the AGI, Seth Twum-Akwaboah, says once standards are agreed upon, it becomes the responsibility of businesses to adapt.
“Standards are standards. Once the standard is set and we all agree this is the standard, what it takes to meet the standard is the individual companies’ responsibility. If it means reformulating, do so because you have standards you are to meet.”
Mr. Twum-Akwaboah
Mr. Twum-Akwaboah acknowledges that compliance may involve additional costs, particularly for companies that need to reformulate products, invest in new ingredients or upgrade production processes to meet low sugar or no-sugar thresholds.
However, he warns that failure to comply carries a greater risk, as companies that do not meet national standards could lose market access and consumer confidence. He says the AGI will continue to support its members through advocacy, technical assistance and engagement with regulators to ensure a smooth transition to any new standards on sweeteners and sugar content.
He adds that industry must see regulation not only as a cost, but as an opportunity to innovate, improve product quality and tap into a growing global market for healthier food options.
Policy on Sweetness Must be Guided by Science, Not Perception
He stresses the importance of science in shaping policy on low- and no-calorie sweeteners. He says low- and no-calorie sweeteners have been extensively evaluated by food safety authorities around the world and have been found to be safe for use when consumed within approved limits.
“We are encouraged by the level of engagement and the openness of stakeholders to discuss the evidence surrounding low/no calorie sweeteners. Around the world, these ingredients have been extensively evaluated by food safety authorities, and nutrition and food policy discussions must continue to be guided by robust scientific evidence.”
Mr. Twum-Akwaboah
He urges Ghanaian policymakers to base decisions on peer-reviewed research and global best practices, rather than perceptions, to ensure that policies achieve their intended health benefits without stifling innovation.
The roundtable discussion also highlights the need for consumer education. Participants agree that taxes and standards alone will not change behaviour unless consumers understand the health implications of excessive sugar intake and the alternatives available.
For the AGI, the broader objective is to build a food and beverage industry that is competitive, health conscious and sustainable. The Association maintains that Ghana can promote public health and still protect jobs, support local manufacturing and ensure food security if policies are well balanced and consistently applied.
As government considers new fiscal and health policies, the AGI says it remains committed to constructive dialogue that puts both the health of Ghanaians and the health of Ghanaian industry at the centre of decision making.
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