Politics · Michael Teye Amartey

PARLIAMENT PASSES EXCISE BILL 2026, SCRAPS TAX ON LOCALLY PRODUCED FRUIT JUICES

Parliament has passed the Excise Bill, 2026, abolishing excise taxes on locally manufactured fruit juices in a move aimed at lowering prices, promoting healthier consumption and supporting local agro-processing industries.

The legislation establishes a framework for the imposition and collection of excise duty on selected imported and locally manufactured excisable goods. 

It also provides for the use of Excise Tax Stamps, which must be affixed to excisable products. Presenting the Bill on the floor of Parliament yesterday, Deputy Minister for Finance , Thomas Nyarko Ampem said the legislation also introduces a sliding scale for excise duty on beer and other beverages to encourage manufacturers to source more raw materials locally.

Mr. Ampem said the removal of excise taxes on locally produced fruit juices w ill make the products more affordable while supporting domestic fruit processors.

The    government expects the tax changes to improve the competitiveness of locally manufactured fruit juices, stimulate demand for products made from locally grown fruits and create stronger linkages between the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

The new excise duty regime is also intended to incentivize manufacturers to increase the use of locally sourced raw materials by reducing the tax burden on producers that rely more heavily on domestic inputs.

With Parliament’s approval, the Excise Bill, 2026 forms part of the  government’s broader tax reform agenda aimed at supporting local industry, promoting value addition and encouraging healthier consumer choices.