The Minority in Parliament is urging civil society organisations, stakeholders, and the public to vehemently reject the proposed Legislative Instrument (LI) aiming to restrict the importation of selected items into Ghana.

According to the NDC MPs, the bill grants excessive powers to the Minister for Trade and is likely to foster corruption among government appointees.

Addressing the media during the NDC's 'Moment of Truth Series' on Wednesday, December 6, Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson stated that they will resist the laying of the bill.

The former Deputy Finance Minister urged well-meaning Ghanaians to support their opposition to the controversial legislation.

“We also call on the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), traditional authorities, the clergy and all progressive forces to speak up and join us to reject these obnoxious import restriction regulations, in the supreme interest of Ghana.”

The Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam legislator again urged the government to promptly withdraw the regulations and engage extensively with all relevant stakeholders.

“Already, importers and the business community have amply demonstrated how these regulations lack broad consultation and consensus. We therefore call on the government to withdraw these regulations immediately and broaden its engagement with all key stakeholders."

The Minister for Trade and Industry is seeking to pass an (L.I) to restrict the importation of some strategic products.

The 22 items considered for import restrictions are:

1. Rice
2. Guts, bladders and stomachs of animals (offal)
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