Businesses Urge Government to Withdraw Ghana Easy Pass Programme Over Rising Cost Concerns
By Boakye Stephen, Kumasi, Ghana | Reporting for Ghanaian News, Canada | July 6,2026
The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has intensified its opposition to the Ghana Standards Authority’s proposed Ghana Easy Pass Programme, warning that the policy could increase business expenses and ultimately raise prices for consumers.
In a statement issued on Monday, the association criticised the mandatory pre-export conformity verification regime for imported products, arguing that it would create additional financial and administrative burdens for businesses already facing difficult economic conditions.
FABAG stated that it “expresses its strongest condemnation of the decision by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to introduce the Ghana Easy Pass Programme, a mandatory pre-export conformity verification regime for imported products destined for Ghana.”
The association questioned the need for the new system, noting that agencies such as the Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana Standards Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority and Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority already perform product inspections and quality assurance functions.
According to FABAG, “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 group further argued that “If there are operational challenges within these institutions, they should be strengthened, not bypassed through the introduction of another costly programme.”
FABAG maintained that the policy effectively introduces additional costs for importers.
“This policy is simply adding another tax by another name,”the association said, warning that additional certification fees, administrative expenses and shipment delays would eventually increase consumer prices.
The association also expressed concern that the programme contradicts government’s commitment to improving the business environment.
“Government cannot genuinely speak about improving the ease of doing business while simultaneously introducing measures that make doing business more expensive.”
FABAG appealed directly to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene.
“FABAG respectfully calls on His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama to intervene immediately and suspend the implementation of the Ghana Easy Pass Programme.”
The association concluded by urging government to withdraw the policy and engage stakeholders in fresh consultations to develop alternative approaches that protect consumers without imposing avoidable costs on businesses.
Commentary
The concerns raised by FABAG reflect the delicate balance between strengthening regulatory standards and maintaining a competitive business environment. Economic observers believe extensive stakeholder engagement will be important in ensuring consumer protection measures do not unintentionally increase the cost of doing business or contribute to higher inflation.
