Import Restrictions Bill, advocated by the Minister of Trade and Industry, KT Hammond, faced another setback in Parliament on November 28, 2023, as the minister was once again barred from presenting the Legislative Instrument (LI) in the house.
This marks the third instance where the minister has been prevented from laying the LI before Parliament. The proposed Export and Import (Restrictions on Importation of Selected Strategic Products) Regulations, 2023, seek to limit the importation of 22 selected strategic goods into the country.
Despite holding pre-laying meetings with the Caucus of the House, KT Hammond’s efforts to present the LI were thwarted when the Minority staunchly opposed the move.
The minority contended that various business groups had petitioned Parliament to reject the LI, insisting that their concerns needed to be addressed.
Moreover, the minority argued that the LI posed dangers and would adversely impact numerous businesses in the country. Minority Chief Whip Ibrahim Ahmed cautioned the government to proceed cautiously with the LI, while former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu expressed concern about potential impact and reactions from retaliatory actions from affected countries against Ghana.
The Minority Whip, Ahmed Ibrahim, said, “Mr. Speaker, the matter is a very serious one that hinges on the survival of businesses in this country. Mr. Speaker, we are not just objecting, and care should be taken. Let’s reflect on the serious issues that have been raised on this floor, and the minority has raised objections. Which of them didn’t go back to come and fight for this country? And this is one of them.”
“Mr. Speaker, just yesterday, six associations—Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG), Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Chamber of Automobile Dealership Ghana (CADEG), and Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI)—wrote a petition, having confidence in members of this house, that we should take that petition into consideration.”
Despite the efforts of the sector minister, KT Hammond, to alleviate the concerns of the Minority by stating that many of their issues had been addressed in an updated draft policy document, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, opted to postpone the laying of the bill. The new date for this action is set for Thursday, November 30, 2023.
Speaker Bagbin instructed the Minister to provide the updated draft policy document to members of the Subsidiary Legislation Committee. This measure aims to ensure that all concerns are thoroughly addressed before presenting the document to the House, thereby preventing any further delays.
The draft policy will mature 21 days after it is laid in Parliament.