Accountant Urges Government to Support Local Toothpaste Production

Kumasi, Oct. 17, GNA – Mr Richard Asiedu, an Accountant at Hurry Hurry Enterprise, importers and distributors of toothpaste, has appealed to the government to invest in and promote local toothpaste production as part of efforts to enhance oral hygiene and strengthen the national economy.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr Asiedu said providing subsidies on raw materials and incentives for local manufacturers would encourage domestic production and reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported toothpaste brands.

He noted that almost all toothpaste brands on the Ghanaian market are imported because “it is currently more cost-effective to import than to produce locally,” attributing this to high production costs and poor economies of scale in the country.

“Currently, it is cost-effective to import major products into the country than to manufacture them locally, largely due to the high cost of production,” he explained, adding that increasing operational expenses discourage businesses from venturing into local manufacturing.

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Mr Asiedu further explained that companies importing toothpaste must obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and register with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA).
He noted that these regulatory and customs procedures, combined with foreign exchange volatility, often complicate import operations.

He therefore urged policymakers to consider the needs of potential local producers in future industrial policies, stressing that toothpaste is an essential household item used daily across the country.

A GNA market survey at the Kejetia Market in Kumasi revealed that popular toothpaste brands on sale include Pepsodent, Colgate, Dentoral Charcoal, Closeup, Longrich White Tea, Yazz, and Kel.

Mr Asiedu added that investing in local toothpaste manufacturing could reduce youth unemployment, promote industrial growth, and contribute significantly to Ghana’s economic development.