By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu, GNA
Keta (V/R), Oct. 3, GNA – The Chamber for Price Control Ghana (CPCG) has called on the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) and all local fruit juice manufacturers to reduce their prices following the abolition of the 20 per cent excise duty on locally manufactured fruit juices.Â
Mr Seth Azaglo-Tay, the Executive President of CPCG, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that consumers must directly feel the benefit of the tax relief in their pockets.
“FABAG has recently commended the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, for his performance in office, particularly his decision to abolish the excise duty on locally produced fruit juices, and the association must also comply accordingly to ease difficulties,” he said.
Mr Azaglo-Tay explained that the Chamber also acknowledged the move, which he described as a bold step expected to ease the cost of production and support the local beverage industry.
He, however, said the benefit of the policy should not end with manufacturers, and urged FABAG and all local fruit juice producers to pass the savings on to consumers by lowering the prices of their products.
“The 20 per cent tax removed from locally manufactured juices should be reflected in what consumers pay at the point of sale.”
Mr Azaglo-Tay argued that a price reduction would benefit manufacturers as well as buyers, since lower prices would increase demand, boost sales and further strengthen the local industry, while the gesture would also help build a fairer marketplace, with more jobs and growth for the sector.
He appealed to producers to work with consumer groups to ensure that the full benefit of the tax relief reached every citizen in every community across the country.
Mr Azaglo-Tay emphasised that the appeal was under the Chamber’s campaign message of “Lower Prices for a Brighter Tomorrow,” which listed lower prices for consumers, a stronger local industry, more jobs and growth, and a fairer marketplace as the expected outcomes.
CPCG describes itself as an advocacy body focused on fair prices, consumer protection, and accountability.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah /Kenneth Odeng Adade