Tema, 21 Nov 2025 – The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has strongly endorsed government’s plan to introduce digitally verifiable tax stamps and intensify border enforcement against the smuggling of palm oil, textiles, edible oils, beverages, and other sensitive products.
In its post-budget statement, the Federation warned that years of unchecked smuggling have devastated local industries, distorted fair competition, drained government revenue, and pushed thousands of Ghanaian workers out of employment.
“Every container of smuggled cooking oil that enters this country is a direct attack on jobs in the refineries of Tema, Kumasi, and Takoradi,” the GFL declared.
Speaking on Ahotor FM during the 2026 post-budget discussions, GFL Secretary-General Abraham Koomson urged government to ensure that the new tax stamp regime remains affordable for small and medium enterprises while delivering full transparency and accountability in its implementation.
The Federation reiterated that the combination of digital tax stamps and tighter border controls is essential to rebuilding confidence in Ghana’s manufacturing sector. It said a well-designed, digitally verifiable tax stamp system will not only combat product counterfeiting but also:
• Boost consumer confidence
• Strengthen product quality assurance
• Protect domestic manufacturers
• Create a level playing field for law-abiding businesses
Mr. Koomson emphasised that these reforms must be accompanied by continuous stakeholder engagement to prevent excessive compliance burdens on SMEs, ensure smooth implementation, and sustain industry confidence.
With smuggling remaining one of the biggest threats to local manufacturing, the GFL insists that decisive action is long overdue, adding that safeguarding local industries is ultimately about safeguarding Ghanaian jobs, incomes, and long-term economic resilience.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭