Minority demands withdrawal of new L.I. targeting rice, sugar importation and other products

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the Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has criticized the regulation, calling it a harmful policy that should be withdrawn immediately.

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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in 1967 to identify corruption and malpractices related to import licenses, and emphasized that such practices are outdated and should not be continued.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are urging the President to reconsider this policy because it is not something we should encourage, and it should be withdrawn,” he said.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.

1. Rice
2. Guts, bladders and stomach of animals
3. Poultry
4. Animal and Vegetable Oil
5. Margarine
6. Fruit Juices
7. Soft Drink
8. Mineral Water
9. Noodles and Pasta
10. Ceramic Tiles
11. Corrugated Paper and Paper Board
12. Mosquito Coil and Insecticides
13. Soaps and Detergents
14. Motor Cars
15. Iron and Steel
16. Cement
17. Polymers (Plastics and Plastic Products)
18. Fish
19. Sugar
20. Clothing and Apparel
21. Biscuits
22. Canned Tomatoes