By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The Chairman of the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG), Mr. John Awuni, has called on the government to address what he describes as burdensome regulatory fees and widespread corruption, which he says are key contributors to the rising cost of goods in the country.
According to Mr. Awuni, the current high prices of goods persist despite signs of stability in the Ghanaian cedi, largely due to systemic corruption and excessive regulatory charges.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s current affairs programme ‘The Point of View’ on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, Mr. Awuni argued that corruption has a direct impact on pricing, as businesses are forced to pass on illicit costs to consumers.
“What also informs pricing in this country is corruption. Whatever money a politician extorts from business operators is added to the consumer,” he said.
“If you come and say I’m going to give your business a permit to do this and that, and so I need a kickback, I’m going to give you a quota to do this and that. Whatever cost I pay to you will be added, and this is a fact,” the Chairman of FABAG noted.
Mr. Awuni also criticised regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) for imposing what he described as “unbearable” charges and levies, often without proper consultation.
“The regulatory authorities also come with unbearable charges, fees, and that is on the blind side of consumers. FDA, EPA, and GSA come out with something, and they can just carry a fee review on the blind side of people and send it to Parliament, and before you realise the thing has been passed. Statutory authorities have unbridled increases in their fees and levies,” he said.
The FABAG Chairman further stated that high tariffs at the ports also contribute to escalating prices, and he called for a comprehensive review of all cost-influencing factors to ensure fairness for both businesses and consumers.
