The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority is in town to impound some smuggled beverages believed to be evading excise tax.
The move is part of measures by the GRA to clamp down on non-compliant retailers and manufacturers across the country.
Addressing the media before embarking on the exercise, Commissioner of Domestic Tax Revenue Division at the GRA, Edward Appenteng Gyamera ,explained that revenue from excise has seen a significant drop since the beginning of the year as a result of the influx of such items into the country.
“I must say we have seen a significant drop in excess tax in the last few months since the beginning of the year [2025], and it is as a result of this behavior by some suppliers and manufacturers. Today’s exercise will focus on key parts of the market, after which we shall prepare and do a bigger operation targeting the manufacturers”.
“We want to send a message to all beverage producers to ensure the right taxes are paid before releasing any product into the market, ” he warned.
The operation was a follow-up to a distress call from Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited over some imported products from parts of the West African markets without the necessary taxes.
The team further conducted some search in the market, which confirms the illegality.
Friday’s operation happened in two major markets near the Central Business District, including Tudu, Makola, and the CMB area.
The products, which include Malta Guinness, Beta Malt, and other carbonated and alcoholic beverages, have been confiscated and taken to the Customs warehouse, while the shop owners have been asked to report on Monday for further investigation.