Parliament has enacted the Excise Bill, 2026, which eliminates excise taxes on domestically produced fruit juices. This initiative aims to reduce prices, encourage healthier consumption, and bolster local agro-processing industries.
The new legislation outlines a system for assessing and collecting excise duties on certain imported and domestically produced excisable goods. Additionally, it mandates the application of Excise Tax Stamps on these products.
During the presentation of the Bill in Parliament on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Deputy Minister for Finance Thomas Nyarko Ampem stated that the legislation also introduces a sliding scale for excise duties on beer and other beverages to motivate manufacturers to source more raw materials locally.
“Another objective we are pursuing is the implementation of a sliding scale for the use of raw materials, which will encourage the utilization of local resources in the production of beer and other beverages. The more raw materials sourced locally, the lower the excise duty rate will be,” he explained.
Ampem further noted that the elimination of excise taxes on locally produced fruit juices would enhance affordability and support domestic fruit processors.
“We are abolishing taxes on locally produced juices, meaning that our Blue Skies and Akumfi juice factory will be zero-rated. This will lower prices and encourage a shift from alcohol consumption to fruit juices, as we aim to promote better health,” he remarked.
The government anticipates that these tax modifications will enhance the competitiveness of locally manufactured fruit juices, boost demand for products derived from locally grown fruits, and strengthen the connections between the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
The revised excise duty framework is also designed to motivate manufacturers to increase their use of locally sourced raw materials by alleviating the tax burden on those who depend more on domestic inputs.
Following the approval of Parliament, the Excise Bill, 2026 is included in the government’s extensive tax reform strategy designed to bolster local industry, enhance value addition, and promote healthier consumer options.
