The Assistant Commissioner of the Ghana Revenue Authority(GRA), Dr Alex Kombat has hinted on the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) Tax which is the sole mandate of the government to protect its citizenry against any health risks associated with the consumption of harmful products.
Dr Kombat further added that the implementation of the Suger Sweetened Beverages tax as amended and backed by Execise Duty Amendment Act 2023(1108), which started on April 15, 2023, he outlined some of the challenges as low nationwide sensitization and food and beverages producers Showing resistance to the tax law.
The Assistant Commissioner Dr Alex Kombat made this known at the National Stakeholders Conference to dialogue on the science behind food-related health tax policies and the current state of implementation on Suger Sweetened Beverages Tax implementation in Ghana, which was Organised by Advocating for Health (A4H) Project, a Coalition of Public health experts.
The theme for the Conference ” Taxes Build Nation: Evidence-informed Health Taxes Saves Lives” The Special Guest of Honour, Mr Abayomi Sarumi who is the Senior Program Manager of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa from Nigeria spoke on evidence-based data that Private Organisations from health-related Sectors and Government of Nigeria has implemented on Suger Sweetened Beverages Taxes that has help improve the economy and also reduce the consumption of harmful and unhealthy drinks and other foods.
Mr Abayomi Praised A4H Project Organisers and other health experts for finding time to deliberate on major issues that is helping build Ghana and beyond.
A Participant from the National Council of Parents Association Madam Irene Sam who got shocked after hearing facts and figures about the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages from various speakers, said no wonder there is an increased risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and dental problems.
She therefore pleaded with Advocating for Health (A4H) to come with a road map to move to various schools nationwide to intensify the education on sugar-sweetened beverages to help save our future leaders.
The Advocating for Health (A4H) Project, a Coalition of public health experts, expressed gratitude to the major coalition made up of the University of Ghana Public Health School, the Civil Society of Ghana, Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ghana Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance, Ghana Public Health Association for their contributions that made the National Stakeholders Conference On Sugar-Sweetened Beverages tax implementation in Ghana a success.
