Parliament has approved the Excise Bill, 2026, which eliminates excise taxes on locally produced fruit juices in a bid to reduce consumer prices, encourage healthier choices, and strengthen domestic agro‑processing industries. The legislation establishes a framework for levying and collecting excise duty on selected imported and locally manufactured goods, while mandating the use of Excise Tax Stamps on all excisable products.
Presenting the Bill on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem explained that the measure also introduces a sliding scale for excise duty on beer and other beverages to incentivise manufacturers to source more raw materials locally. “The other thing we are seeking to do is to introduce a sliding scale for use of raw materials so that we can encourage the use of local raw materials in the manufacture of beer and other drinks.
The more raw materials you source locally to produce, the lower the rate of excise duty,” he said. Ampem said the removal of excise taxes on locally produced fruit juices would make the products more affordable while supporting domestic fruit processors.
“We are removing taxes on juices, local juices that are produced here, and so our Blue Skies, our Akumfi juice factory, will all be zero-rated, and 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,” he said.
The government anticipates that the new tax measures will enhance the competitiveness of locally produced fruit juices, boost demand for products made from domestically grown fruits, and strengthen linkages between agriculture and manufacturing. Under the revised excise duty framework, producers who rely more heavily on local raw materials will benefit from reduced tax burdens, creating incentives to increase domestic sourcing.
With Parliament’s endorsement, the Excise Bill, 2026 becomes a key component of the government’s broader tax reform agenda, designed to support local industry, promote value addition, and encourage healthier consumer choices.
Source: William Narh
