Accra Brewery Faces Possible Shutdown Over New Excise Duty

Accra Brewery Limited is weighing a shutdown of its operations if President *John Mahama* signs the revised Excise Bill into law, Joy Business has learnt.

Parliament passed the bill earlier this month. The new law introduces an *excise duty of between 7% and 15%* on beer produced locally, including brands made by Accra Brewery.

Sources close to the company say the brewery is currently assessing how the tax will affect its business. According to Joy Business, the new duty could force Accra Brewery to take an *impairment hit of about US$7 million*.

Industry insiders say the decision to scale back or close down will largely depend on whether the President assents to the bill in its current form.

*Wider Industry Concerns*

The concerns are not limited to Accra Brewery. Other local beverage manufacturers have also expressed worry about the impact of the revised excise duty.

Some companies are reportedly considering *reducing production and laying off staff* if the taxes come into full effect.

Players in the sector say local producers are already struggling with stiff competition from imported drinks, which has squeezed profit margins and revenue.

There are suggestions that some breweries could cope with the new tax *if implementation is postponed to January 2027* to allow them time to adjust.

*Uncertain Next Steps*

The industry fears the new duty could cost jobs and weaken Ghana’s beverage manufacturing sector.

Joy Business could not confirm whether the concerns of brewers have been officially submitted to the *Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson*.

It is also not clear if government is considering a delay to allow for more consultations with affected companies.

The final decision now rests with President Mahama.