The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has expressed strong support for the Ministry of Finance’s recent directive banning the land transit of selected goods, calling it a decisive step to safeguard government revenue and protect local industries.
In a statement on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, FABAG specifically commended Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for requiring that transit goods such as rice, sugar, flour, textiles, spaghetti, and tomato paste now enter the country exclusively through seaports.
“This decisive directive… represents a bold and timely intervention aimed at addressing the persistent challenges of smuggling, revenue losses and misclassification of goods that have plagued Ghana’s trade environment for many years,” the association stated.
FABAG highlighted that unscrupulous traders have long exploited the land transit system by declaring goods as destined for neighboring countries, only to divert them illegally into Ghana, depriving the government of substantial revenue and creating unfair competition for compliant businesses.
The association urged relevant state institutions, including the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Customs Division, to ensure strict enforcement of the directive.
FABAG also called on the government to consider expanding the list of restricted goods to include fruit juices and other similar products, warning that some traders might attempt to evade the rules through misclassification.
“Expanding the scope of the directive will… ensure that the intended objectives of the policy are fully realized,” the statement added.
FABAG described the measure as “an important step toward restoring discipline, transparency, and accountability within Ghana’s trade and customs systems” and praised the Finance Minister for his leadership in tackling long-standing challenges in the country’s trade sector.
The association concluded by urging continued vigilance and enforcement to ensure that the policy delivers its full economic benefits to Ghana.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
