The Executive Chairman of the Food and Beverages Association has expressed his disappointment in the Trade Minister, Kobina Tahir Hammond’s Legislative Instrument (L.I) which seeks to restrict the importation of strategic products.
According to John Awuni, restricting imports would lead to a ‘monopoly’ and price hike of local goods in the country.
“Already the demand for local goods is low. For instance, electrical cables produced in this country – Tema- have a price three times as compared to some of the cables that come from Europe…You haven’t given monopoly yet to such a person yet their prices are high, how much more when they are given monopoly?” he asked.
The Minister for Trade and Industry is seeking to get Parliament pass an (L.I) to restrict the importation of some strategic products.
The 22 items considered for import restrictions are:
- Rice
- Guts, bladders and stomachs of animals (offal)
- 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
But in an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story on Tuesday, November 28, Mr Awuni protested the L.I. According to him, a similar L.I was introduced some years back which did not yield positive results.
“For me, professionally, it is very disappointing because we are going back to the 1960s. These restrictions were imposed in the Nkrumah regime and many ministers fell victim to corruption and rent-seeking…,” he said.
He also noted that introducing such restrictions in a ‘labourised economy’ is not the right way to go, adding that it might go a long way to affect voters’ choices in the upcoming election.
Mr Awuni said he expects Parliament to invite the Food and Beverage Association so as to have their input in the L.I and also to discuss means to boost patronage of local goods.
Also read: https://www.myjoyonline.com/speaker-clears-way-for-laying-of-import-restriction-l-i-on-thursday/
Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has given the go-ahead for the L.I to be laid before the House on Thursday, November 30.
Latest Stories
-
Eric Otchere: Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams: Apostle of Strategic Prayer
13 mins -
Bawumia is a man of action who delivers on his promises – Upper East Imams and Zongo Chiefs
5 hours -
Parliament approves Akufo-Addo’s ministerial nominees
7 hours -
StarLife Assurance supports Global Evangelical Mission Hospital with medical supplies
7 hours -
Benjies outdoors catchy thematic narrative on debut EP ‘TRI’
8 hours -
Skin and body enhancement, the emerging cause of hypertension
8 hours -
Bawumia vows to prioritise Pwalugu Dam project and tackle energy challenges with solar power
9 hours -
Bleaching and body enhancement creams can cause hypertension – Dr Tanor
9 hours -
Bobby Banson urges separation of Attorney General and the Minister of Justice offices
9 hours -
It’s possible for Cedi to hit GH¢20 against the dollar – Sammy Gyamfi teases Bawumia’s 2024 polls slogan
10 hours -
Tamale North MP accuses Akufo-Addo of scheming to oust Kissi Agyebeng from office
10 hours -
Akufo-Addo warns journalists of potential AI dangers in misinformation
10 hours -
Will you accept financial help from your wife’s male friend? Here’s Joy listeners’ verdict
10 hours -
Arteta’s Arsenal title dream ‘still alive’
10 hours -
AfDB warns about high level of debt facing African countries
10 hours