Africa-Press – Ghana. Mr Richard Asiedu, an Accountant at Hurry Hurry Enterprise, importers and distributors of toothpaste, has urged the government to invest in and promote local toothpaste production in Ghana.
He said the provision of subsidies on raw materials and incentives for manufacturers could encourage local production, enhance oral hygiene and contribute to economic growth.
Mr Asiedu told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that almost all toothpastes brands on the Ghanaian market are imported because importing is currently cost-effective than producing locally.
“Currently, it is cost effective importing major produce into the country than locally manufacturing them and this is largely due to high cost of production in the country,” he said.
He added that poor economies of scale, coupled with coupled with increasing cost operational costs in the country discourage businesses from venturing into local production.
He explained that before a company could import toothpastes into the country, it must obtain Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), register with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Ghana Standard Authority (GSA).
These and other complex Customs procedures as well as foreign exchange volatility factors affects importation of goods including toothpaste, Mr. Asiedu pointed out.
He appealed to the government to consider the interests of companies who may be interested in locally producing toothpastes in its policy formulation and implementation because toothpaste is one of the essential oral hygiene products used daily in every household.
A market survey conducted by the Ghana News Agency at the Kejetia Market in Kumasi revealed that popular toothpaste brands on the market included Pepsodent, Colgate, Dentoral Charcoal, Closeup, Longrich White Tea, Yazz, Kel and others.
Investing and promoting local production of toothpaste could help reduce unemployment rate, especially among the youth and boost Ghana’s economy.
For More News And Analysis About Ghana Follow Africa-Press
