Audio By Carbonatix
The Minority in Parliament has expressed its satisfaction with the government's decision to suspend the laying of the controversial Import Restrictions Bill before Parliament.
In a press statement issued on Friday, December 8, and signed by their leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority commended the government for allowing common sense to prevail.
Dr. Ato Forson added that the Minority is not against the policy itself, but the unfettered discretionary power it would have given to the Trade Minister.
According to the former Deputy Finance Minister, this would have exacerbated the already high cost of living in the country.
The Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam lawmaker also commended all well-meaning Ghanaians for supporting their resistance.
“We are happy that the government has jettisoned these regulations after stiff resistance and opposition in Parliament by the Minority Caucus.”
“We wish to assure the Ghanaian people and the business community that the Minority will always be on their side and put their interest first. Ghana First!”
On Thursday, December 7, the Trades and Industry Ministry suspended the laying of the L.I.
According to the Minister of Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the move is to allow for further consultations.
Speaking to JoyNews’ Maame Esi Thompson, Mr Nkrumah said “First, we think that the economic objectives will work well for our growth and jobs and our development agenda. Therefore, it is important to get all stakeholders aligned as we go along this process. The idea is to suspend the laying, engage further, and get some more understanding and participation before we go in.
“You know it is an L.I., you (are) going to factor in all of these views. Then, when you lay it, it can mature after the necessary 21 days because it is not a bill that would be amended on the floor. So, this would allow us to complete all of these engagements before any such laying takes place.”
Subsequently, the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has lauded the government's choice to suspend the Bill.
Dr. Joseph Obeng, the President of GUTA, expressed contentment with the government's decision, highlighting the significance of further consultations.
He reassured businesses of GUTA's preparedness to contribute essential insights for a more comprehensive bill.
Latest Stories
-
Livestream: Newsfile discusses KIA renaming, NPP unity test and inflation credibility
9 minutes -
Zambia scraps taxes on Fugu from Ghana for personal use following social media drama
1 hour -
Gunfire silences prosperity as PLO Lumumba warns of ‘bleeding’ African continent
3 hours -
African Leaders must shift from speeches to action – P.L.O Lumumba
3 hours -
Ace Ankomah demands radical overhaul of Ghana’s science and innovation sector
3 hours -
Trump signs executive order threatening tariffs for countries trading with Iran
3 hours -
From Hollywood to the homeland: Why African countries are courting black American stars
4 hours -
Ambulance service slams ‘taxi transfer’ of newborn as viral negligence claims debunked
4 hours -
High stakes in Ayawaso East as NDC delegates head to the polls today
4 hours -
Youth unemployment is the biggest threat to Africa – Gabby
5 hours -
Minority demands urgent Finance Minister summons as ‘Agbogbloshie’ prices ignite parliamentary clash
6 hours -
Baba Jamal’s highest will be 38% in Ayawaso East NDC primary – Mussa Dankwah
6 hours -
Stranded beans and staggering debts: Ghana’s cocoa sector faces systemic crisis
7 hours -
Chief Justice sets up special courts for corruption and galamsey
7 hours -
Airport renaming and inflation trends to take centre stage on Joy Prime’s Prime Insight this Saturday
8 hours