NDC Minority raises concerns over Government’s import restriction decision

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Minority has expressed concerns over the government's decision to restrict the importation of 22 selected strategic products into Ghana.

Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Minority Leader and NDC Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam raised issues, stating that the decision violated international trade practices.

Dr Forson, speaking to the Parliamentary Press Corps in Accra, criticized the proposed Legislative Instrument (LI) that the government intended to lay before Parliament.

He highlighted the establishment of a committee under the Ministry of Trade and Industry to grant permits to prospective importers, describing it as a “dangerous practice” and a regression to outdated policies.

“What this simply means is that if you want to import rice, sugar, diapers, poultry, and approximately 22 selected items, you will need to go to the Ministry of Trade and Industry to see a Committee that will be constituted by the Minister before a permit will be given to you,” Dr Forson explained, drawing parallels to practices that existed in 1967.

He expressed worry that the policy might lead to favouritism, saying, “I am worried that a time will come if you are not an NPP (New Patriotic Party) member, you won't get a license to import something to this economy, that is unacceptable.”

The Minority Leader emphasized that Ghana, as a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), should adhere to international trade rules.

He urged President Akufo-Addo to reconsider the decision, stating, “We are urging His Excellency the President to have a rethink because this is not a policy that we should encourage.”

Dr. Forson also pointed out the constitutional limitation on Parliament regarding such matters, emphasizing the responsibility of the President and Vice President to take action.

He concluded by standing with importers and the ordinary Ghanaian, urging the government to provide reasons for the ban on certain items if substitutes were available locally.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Kobina Tahir Hammond, had announced the government's intention to lay an LI to restrict the importation of strategic products, including rice, tripe, and diapers, as part of efforts to enhance local production.