A group calling itself Concerned Ghanaian Poultry Products Importers is protesting vehemently against high tariffs imposed on the importation of frozen poultry products.

“Nobody disputes the need for importers to pay tax, but the point is the high taxes on imported frozen poultry products,” Richmond Tetteh, spokesperson for the group said at a press conference in Accra.

According to the group, the issue is quite alarming because at the end of the day the final consumer has to pay more for the products. He stated that the maintenance of the correct temperature for reefer containers at the port is another challenge facing the industry.

He said “the ideal temperature for frozen poultry should be negative 18 degrees; however the cumbersome clearing process causes the consignment to defrost at the port, especially at the weekends.”

This situation, he noted, does not only alter the taste of the product, but increases the probability for food poisoning since the product cannot be re-frosted.

He therefore called on officials to ensure the quick discharge of containers as soon as the duties are paid to enable the importers to re-plug the containers to maintain standard temperature.

Mr. Tetteh said “previously when the clearing documents delayed, we were permitted to deposit money for duty with the officials to enable us to clear the goods and then get back to perfect the transaction when the FCVR document arrives, but now this facility has been cancelled.”

The cancellation of the facility, he stated, is adversely affecting the group because they incur more losses since they keep paying demurrage and electricity each day the container stays at the port.

Mr. Tetteh indicated that imported poultry products require prompt and special attention to save the huge investments of the importers and to rake in maximum tax revenue for the state.

“If this is not done, the business stands the risk of being crippled and this will push many Ghanaians out of work. The direct consequences will be the loss of huge revenue to the state,” Mr. Tetteh emphasized.

He expressed the hope that authorities at the ports and the Ministry of Trade and Industry will address their concerns to ensure that they stay in business.