FABAG urges Mahama to suspend Ghana Easy Pass Programme

The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has called on John Dramani Mahama to halt the implementation of the Ghana Easy Pass Programme, warning that the new import verification system will increase the cost of doing business and lead to higher prices for consumers.

In a statement issued on Monday, July 6, FABAG criticised the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) for introducing the mandatory pre-export conformity verification programme for imported goods, describing it as an unnecessary burden on businesses already grappling with rising operational costs.

The association argued that the new policy duplicates the responsibilities of existing state institutions tasked with ensuring the safety and quality of imported products.

“It is difficult to understand why government would seek to impose another layer of bureaucracy and cost on importers when existing regulatory institutions are already adequately mandated to ensure product safety and standards,” the statement said.

According to FABAG, agencies such as the Food and Drugs Authority, the Ghana Standards Authority, the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority already conduct inspections and quality checks on imported goods. It maintained that any operational shortcomings within these institutions should be addressed by strengthening their capacity rather than introducing another regulatory framework.

The association further warned that the Ghana Easy Pass Programme would significantly increase import costs by imposing additional certification fees, administrative charges and compliance requirements. It said importers could also face shipment delays before goods leave their countries of origin, increasing overall business expenses.

FABAG argued that these additional costs would inevitably be transferred to consumers through higher prices.

It noted that businesses are still recovering from previous regulatory reforms while contending with high utility tariffs, elevated interest rates, exchange rate volatility, expensive transportation costs and the high cost of borrowing.

“The private sector cannot continue to absorb an endless stream of new costs without serious consequences for investment, employment and consumer prices,” the association stated.

FABAG also questioned the decision to revive a policy similar to one it said had previously been rejected by the business community after extensive stakeholder consultations.

The association maintained that the Ghana Easy Pass Programme runs contrary to the government’s stated objective of improving the business environment.

It argued that government cannot promote ease of doing business, reduce inflation and attract investment while simultaneously introducing policies that increase the cost of imported raw materials and finished goods.

FABAG therefore appealed directly to President Mahama to intervene and suspend the programme before it takes effect.

It urged the President to instruct the Ghana Standards Authority to withdraw the policy and engage the private sector in fresh consultations to develop a more practical approach.

The association also called on business associations, chambers of commerce, importers, manufacturers, distributors and other private sector stakeholders to unite in opposing the policy, insisting that Ghana needs measures that promote enterprise, lower business costs and protect consumers from further price increases.

Prince Antwi

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