Plastic Manufacturers in Ghana to demonstrate over excise tax.

The Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association (GPMA) has announced plans to protest on Wednesday, July 10, over newly imposed 5% excise tax on locally produced plastic products.

The Association, representing local industry players, on June 27 issued a weekly request to the government to demand the immediate suspension of the tax, asserting that if their demands are not met, they will shut down production for seven days to voice their discontent.

Speaking at a press conference, the President of the Association, Ebbo Botwe stressed the urgency for the government to reconsider its position as he called for renewed engagement with all stakeholders to prevent the potential economic fallout from this planned production shutdown.

However, the government has failed to address the Association’s demand, leading to the demonstration.

According to them, despite sending a letter requesting a meeting in April 2024, they had not received a response from the Ministry of Finance.

GPMA, in a statement dated Monday, July 1, announced the protest in collaboration with the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers and Plastic Sellers Association of Ghana.

The protest is expected to start at Obra spot at Circle through to the Accra Technical University and end at the Ministry of Finance with over 400 participants.

The Association is urging all members to partake in the demonstration for their concerns to be addressed.

In a statement issued on Monday, July 1, the GPMA announced the protest in partnership with the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers and Ghana's Plastic Sellers Association. 

Over 400 people are scheduled to participate in the protest, which will begin from the Obra location in Circle and culminate at the Accra Technical University and Ministry of Finance. The Association is inviting all members to participate in the demonstration so that their issues can be addressed.