Ghana’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Kobina Tahir Hammond, has dismissed allegations that the proposed bill to restrict the importation of 22 selected items in the country was aimed at creating starvation. He said the bill was intended to support local production and enhance the economy.
Hammond made the remarks at the 12th AGI Industry and Quality Awards, where he explained that the restriction of the items was not a ban but a measure to reduce the dependence on foreign goods and promote the One District-One Factory initiative.
According to a report by Ghana Web, He also accused some of his fellow politicians of being hypocrites and spreading false information about the bill, saying that he was not a thief or a hypocrite and that he had the best interest of the country at heart.
“I am not a thief, that’s why we are doing this. The bill is not there for anyone to benefit. We started the One District-One Factory and we must go through with our import restriction and local production initiative,” he said.
“You guys [politicians] are telling the whole world that K.T Hammond intends to create starvation. I know very well we do not have enough production capacity and storage capacity but I do not intend to ban but to restrict and in the process to support local production. This initiative will never cause starvation in this country. Those hypocritical politicians, of which I am not one, should know I do not intend to create a shortage in this country,” he added.
Opposition and Concerns
The decision to halt the introduction of the bill came after it faced strong opposition from the Minority caucus in Parliament and various stakeholders in the trade industry.
The main concerns raised were the lack of sufficient consultation and the potential for increased corruption under the proposed regulations.
The Legislative Instrument had sought to impose restrictions on the importation of 22 essential items, including rice, poultry, vegetable oil, fruit juices, soft drinks, noodles, pasta, ceramic tiles, paper products, mosquito coils, insecticides, soaps, detergents, motor cars, iron and steel, cement, plastics, fish, sugar, clothing, biscuits, and canned tomatoes.
Some critics argued that the bill would create artificial scarcity, inflate prices, and affect the livelihoods of many traders and consumers. They also questioned the capacity and quality of the local producers to meet the demand and standards of the market.
Hammond, however, maintained that the bill was necessary for Ghana to have a robust economy and to achieve self-reliance. He said the bill was in line with the vision of President Nana Akufo-Addo to transform Ghana into an industrialized and prosperous nation.
He assured the public that the bill would not be implemented without adequate consultation and preparation. He said the government would engage with all the relevant stakeholders and address their concerns before reintroducing the bill.
He expressed optimism that the bill would create more jobs, reduce the trade deficit, and improve the balance of payments. He stated that the bill would also help Ghana to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Continental Free Trade Area objectives.
