The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has thrown its full support behind the government’s plan to introduce digitally verifiable tax stamps and strengthen border enforcement to curb the smuggling of palm oil, edible oils, textiles, beverages, and other sensitive goods.

In its post-budget analysis, the GFL warned that years of unchecked smuggling have severely weakened local industries, distorted market competition, reduced government revenue, and led to significant job losses across the country.

“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 Federation stressed.

Speaking on Ahotor FM during discussions on the 2026 budget, GFL Secretary-General, Mr Abraham Koomson, urged the government to ensure that the new digital tax stamp system remains affordable for small and medium-sized enterprises.

He emphasised the need for full transparency and accountability in the rollout to guarantee its effectiveness.

The GFL noted that combining digital tax stamps with tighter border controls will be crucial to restoring confidence in Ghana’s manufacturing sector.

A robust and verifiable stamp system, it said, would help combat counterfeit products and:

Boost consumer confidence

Strengthen quality assurance

Protect local manufacturers

Create a level playing field for compliant businesses

Mr. Koomson added that ongoing stakeholder engagement will be essential to minimise compliance challenges for SMEs and ensure smooth and sustained implementation of the reforms.

With smuggling continuing to pose a major threat to domestic manufacturing, the GFL said decisive and sustained action is long overdue.

Protecting local industries, it emphasised, is ultimately about protecting Ghanaian jobs, incomes, and the country’s long-term economic resilience.