Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for the Effutu Constituency, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) legislators of acting in bad faith regarding a new Legislative Instrument (L.I) intended to regulate cement pricing.
This follows a recent directive from Speaker Alban Bagbin, advising Trade and Industry Minister K.T. Hammond to withdraw the L.I. after NDC MPs raised new concerns despite previously agreeing to its introduction.
Expressing his frustration, Afenyo-Markin questioned the motives behind the NDC’s actions.
“When the L.I. was first proposed, our colleagues suggested it undergo a pre-laying process, which we accepted. The Subsidiary Legislative Committee of Parliament, led by Dr. Dominic Ayine, reviewed the L.I. and recommended amendments. K.T. Hammond incorporated every proposed amendment into the new L.I. before it was laid again,” he explained.
“Despite this, the next day, members of the Minority attacked the government over the same L.I.”
Afenyo-Markin clarified that the L.I.’s primary goal is to foster competition in the cement industry rather than directly regulate prices.
“This is not an attempt to reintroduce price controls. Our government supports free market principles but believes in regulating to ensure fairness,” he stated.
The Cement Manufacturing Development Committee has also taken a firm stance, warning manufacturers to comply with the new pricing regulations. Professor Alex Dodoo, Chairman of the Committee, emphasized on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show that manufacturers’ licenses could be revoked if they fail to adhere to the ex-factory price reporting requirements.
“While retailers also have reporting obligations, the penalties are less severe compared to those for manufacturers,” he noted.