The Chamber of Cement Manufacturers of Ghana (COCMAG) has voiced great worry over a proposed Legislative Instrument (LI) to regulate cement pricing filed to Parliament by Minister of Trade and Industry, K.T. Hammond.
The chamber claims that this LI was submitted in Parliament without previous consultation with industry stakeholders.
According to COCMAG CEO Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah (Bishop), the plan undermines justice, openness, and inclusive decision-making while failing to address the complex causes causing cement hikes, most notably the fast devaluation of the Ghanaian cedi versus the US dollar.
“The unilateral attempt by the Minister to introduce this proposal to Parliament without engaging with us is not only unfair but also detrimental to the spirit of partnership and mutual respect that should guide our collective efforts to stabilize and grow the industry.”
Read Also: G/R: Police Inspectors jailed to a total of nine years for secessionist activities
“In light of these concerns, we respectfully petition Parliament to decline the proposed Legislative Instrument and to direct the Minister of Trade and Industry to engage with the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers and other relevant stakeholders to discuss and address the underlying causes of the price escalation. Such a collaborative approach will enable us to develop effective and sustainable solutions that consider the interests of all parties involved.”
“We trust that you will consider our petition so as to ensure that the voices of the primary stakeholders in the cement industry are heard and respected,” excerpts of the petition read.
Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah stated that his organization is dedicated to working with the government to establish a stable and thriving cement sector in Ghana.
