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The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately suspend the implementation of the Ghana Easy Pass Programme, warning that it could increase business costs and push up prices for consumers.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 6, the association described the Ghana Standards Authority’s proposed mandatory pre-export conformity verification regime as an additional burden on importers already facing high operating costs.
FABAG strongly opposed the initiative, arguing that it creates unnecessary bureaucracy and duplicates the functions of existing regulatory agencies responsible for ensuring product safety and quality.
It noted that institutions such as the Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana Standards Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, and Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority already conduct inspections and testing of imported goods, adding that any challenges within these agencies should be addressed rather than introducing a new system.
According to the association, the new programme would significantly increase import costs through additional certification fees, administrative charges, shipment delays, and compliance expenses, which would ultimately be passed on to consumers.
FABAG also highlighted the difficult economic environment facing businesses, citing rising utility tariffs, high interest rates, exchange rate pressures, transport costs, and expensive borrowing conditions.
The association warned that the private sector cannot continue to absorb rising costs without negative consequences for investment, employment, and prices.
It further expressed concern that similar conformity verification programmes had previously been rejected after consultations with stakeholders.
FABAG argued that the policy contradicts government efforts to improve the ease of doing business and reduce inflation, insisting that increased regulatory costs would instead worsen economic conditions.
The association therefore appealed directly to the President to intervene and halt the programme before implementation, urging that the Ghana Standards Authority be directed to withdraw the policy and engage stakeholders in fresh consultations.
FABAG also called on business groups, chambers of commerce, importers, and manufacturers to unite in opposing the initiative, stressing the need for policies that promote enterprise rather than increase financial pressure on businesses and consumers.
Story by Efua Nessa