The Minority in Parliament has dismissed the government’s directive to halt the increase in cement prices, calling it unrealistic and unlawful.
This follows Trade and Industry Minister K.T. Hammond‘s instruction to cement manufacturers to halt price increases and publish retail prices to prevent arbitrary hikes.
The Minority argues that this approach is misguided and will not yield the desired results.
During a media engagement, Yusif Sulemana, Ranking Member of the Trade and Industry Committee, argued that the directive is infeasible without addressing root causes.
Mr. Sulemana highlighted that cement manufacturers are already burdened with levies, including a fumigation levy, despite not receiving the corresponding service.
He emphasized the need for government engagement with manufacturers to identify areas where taxes can be reduced and stimulus packages offered to support their business.
“As we speak to you, cement manufacturers pay a levy on fumigation, fumigation levy but when their goods arrive, nobody fumigates it’s they pay for a service they do not benefit. And then you come to tell me to reduce the prices of my commodity,
“I’ve never seen it anywhere. This is a competitive market, engage them and see where there’s a need that you the government can reduce some taxes. Where there’s a need for you to do certain things that will stimulate their business.”
“You don’t sit in your office and issue a directive saying that they should reduce their prices. I can tell you on authority that this is not going anywhere. What law is he referring to? Is there any law that says a minister can sit in his office and issue a letter that reduces the prices of commodities?
“It is only under this government we are seeing this. What we need to do is to sit with them and identify the root cause.”
Do we all see the sense in Hon. Yusifs analysis? The proper approach for this failed government is to sit with these manufacturers and listen to their grievances then try offer some solution. Then you can respectfully appeal for some form of hold on price adjustment. You just don’t sit in the comfort of your office and issue foolish directives as if the companies belong to your father. Are these the men Npp touted itself with in time past? Men indeed.