The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has warned that the growing influx of parallel imports poses a serious threat to Ghana’s manufacturing sector, with potential consequences for jobs, tax revenue, and the stability of the cedi.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Ghana Industrial Summit and Exhibition (GISE) in Accra, AGI President Humphrey Ayim-Darke said the practice of bringing in goods through unapproved routes without paying the required duties is undermining local producers.

“Imported products, including brands such as Malta Guinness and Coca-Cola, are entering the market from neighbouring states without proper regulatory checks or duties. This gives foreign goods an artificial cost advantage, while domestic producers who pay taxes and meet quality standards are left struggling,” he explained.

Ayim-Darke cautioned that if the issue persists, it could lead to a wave of factory closures and job losses as local manufacturers are squeezed out of the market.

He further warned that reduced production would not only fuel unemployment but also shrink government tax revenues and foreign exchange inflows—ultimately weakening the economy and putting additional pressure on the cedi.

The AGI president called for urgent action from regulators and policymakers to address the growing menace, stressing that safeguarding domestic industries is essential to sustaining economic growth and protecting livelihoods.