VAST Ghana recommends excise tax reforms for 2027-2030 budget

Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development Ghana (VAST Ghana) has formally recommended that the Ministry of Finance implement comprehensive excise tax reforms within the upcoming 2027-2030 Budget Statement. The advocacy group’s proposal aims to address the escalating public health challenge posed by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) while simultaneously strengthening the government's revenue mobilization efforts. By targeting products known to contribute to chronic health conditions, VAST Ghana seeks to create a fiscal environment that prioritizes the well-being of the population over the consumption of harmful substances. Under the proposed reforms, the organization is calling for an expansion of the hybrid excise tax structure to encompass all categories of alcoholic beverages sold in the country. Additionally, the group advocates for a substantial increase in tobacco taxes to deter usage, particularly among younger demographics. VAST Ghana emphasizes that these measures are not merely about revenue collection but are critical interventions designed to discourage the consumption of health-harming products. The proposal also suggests that the Ministry should define specific tax incentives for health-related products, thereby making nutritious and beneficial goods more affordable and accessible to the general public. To ensure the impact of these taxes is felt directly within the healthcare system, VAST Ghana is championing the earmarking of all revenues generated from these specific excise taxes. These funds would be dedicated to supporting NCD prevention programs and other broader public health initiatives. The group argues that this dedicated funding stream is necessary for a sustainable healthcare strategy, providing the financial resources required for long-term health planning and the management of chronic conditions that currently strain the national budget. This policy framework, they believe, would align fiscal policy with national health goals, creating a healthier future for all Ghanaians.