Govt to withdraw L.I. to restrict importation of selected items – report

Reports from JoyNews suggest that the government plans to suspend the presentation of the controversial Legislative Instrument (L.I.) aimed at restricting the importation of at least 22 items.

The Import Restriction Bill (L.I.) proposes that importers of the 22 restricted items, including poultry, rice, sugar, diapers, and animal entrails, must obtain licenses from a committee to be established by the Trade Minister.

The Minority in Parliament has thrice prevented the laying of the L.I., asserting that it poses dangers, violates international trade practices, and grants excessive powers to the minister, potentially leading to corruption.

“With this LI, the Minister of Trade will be handed a blank cheque to deny those who are not in his good book and create a powerful cartel who will monopolize the import and sale of those products,” Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, said during the ‘Moment of Truth’ event of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Accra on Wednesday, December 6.

Despite Trade and Industry Minister Kobina Tahir Hammond’s efforts to lay the L.I., the Minority’s strong opposition has hindered progress. A reliable government source, according to JoyNews, indicates that the government has decided to postpone the immediate laying of the L.I. to allow for additional consultations.

Various business associations and the Trades Union Congress have criticized the proposed law, highlighting what they perceive as evident flaws.

The government, led by Trade and Industry Minister KT Hammond and Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, maintains that the legislation is in the best interest of the nation.

Find the full list of 22 items considered for import restriction below:

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