The Minority in Parliament is calling for the immediate revocation of the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) that aims to prohibit the importation of rice, sugar, and 20 other “strategic products.”
According to the proposed regulation, individuals interested in importing the specified products would require authorization from the Trade Minister. Kobina Tahir Hammond, who supports the regulation, has expressed optimism that it will lead to the appreciation of the cedi and the development of local industries.
However, the Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has criticized the regulation, calling it a harmful policy that should be withdrawn immediately.
During a meeting with members of the Parliamentary Press Corps, he urged the President to reconsider the policy, arguing that it violates World Trade Organization (WTO) standards.
He made reference to the Justice Ollennu Committee, a previous committee established in 1967 to identify corruption and malpractices related to import licenses, and emphasized that such practices are outdated and should not be continued.
“We are urging the President to reconsider this policy because it is not something we should encourage, and it should be withdrawn,” he said.
The Minority Leader argued limiting imports could lead to inflation in the country, exacerbating the burden on Ghanaians.
He expressed concern that the government’s effort to restrict imports lacks a foundation of domestic production for the affected items.
He cited the restriction on sugar imports despite the absence of a functional sugar processing plant.
Ato Forson claimed that the government’s intention is to create businesses for its supporters and financiers.
- Rice
- Guts, bladders and stomach of animals
- Poultry
- Animal and Vegetable Oil
- Margarine
- Fruit Juices
- Soft Drink
- Mineral Water
- Noodles and Pasta
- Ceramic Tiles
- Corrugated Paper and Paper Board
- Mosquito Coil and Insecticides
- Soaps and Detergents
- Motor Cars
- Iron and Steel
- Cement
- Polymers (Plastics and Plastic Products)
- Fish
- Sugar
- Clothing and Apparel
- Biscuits
- Canned Tomatoes