The National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP), representing commercial packaged water producers in Ghana, has expressed concern over the introduction of an additional 5% excise tax on all plastic packaging, effective July 1, 2025.
This is contained in a press release issued on July 1.
“While we acknowledge the government’s efforts to address environmental concerns, we strongly believe that this new tax duplicates the existing 10% environmental excise tax on selected plastic materials at all ports of entry, introduced in 2011. This duplication of taxes will unnecessarily burden our members and ultimately, the final consumer,” the Association noted.
They pointed out that, “We are not opposed to taxes, especially when they serve a purpose, such as managing waste or generating revenue. However, we cannot support duplicative taxation that will ultimately burden the populace. Therefore, we respectfully call on Ghana’s Ministry of Finance to stay the execution of the 5% excise tax until the 10% environmental excise tax on selected plastic is discontinued.”
NASPAWAP explained that “This will prevent unnecessary hardship on our members and the final consumer. As producers of sachet water, we cannot immediately pass on this tax to consumers due to the nature of our product. We urge the government to consider our request and prevent double taxation.
“We look forward to engaging with the government and relevant stakeholders to find a solution that balances environmental concerns with the need to avoid duplicative taxation,” NASPAWAP noted.
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