The Ghanaian government has decided to postpone the enactment of the controversial Legislative Instrument (L.I.) aimed at restricting the importation of 22 specific items
These include essential commodities such as poultry, rice, sugar, diapers, and animal entrails. The proposed bill requires importers of these items to obtain licenses from a committee overseen by the Trade Minister, a move met with resistance from the Minority in Parliament.
On three separate occasions, the Minority has successfully thwarted the laying of the L.I., expressing concerns over its potential dangers and its violation of international trade practices.
Their objections highlight the fear that the legislation could grant excessive powers to the Trade Minister, creating conditions conducive to corruption. The Trade and Industry Minister has faced significant opposition in attempting to present the L.I., with the Minority vehemently resisting its implementation.
Government sources have disclosed that the decision to delay the laying of the L.I. is driven by the need for additional consultations.
Despite the government’s insistence, echoed by Trade and Industry Minister KT Hammond and Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, that the bill is in the nation’s best interest, various business associations and the Trades Union Congress have raised concerns about perceived deficiencies in the proposed law.
Numerous entities, including the Ghana Union of Traders Associations (GUTA), the General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), and various advocacy groups, have voiced opposition to the bill.
This dissent has led to parliamentary divisions and even tensions between Speaker Alban Bagbin and Ablekuma West MP Ursula Owusu-Ekuful. As the government temporarily suspends the legislation, it remains to be seen how further consultations will address the concerns raised by both the opposition and various stakeholder groups.
