Parliament is set to deliberate on a Constitutional Instrument (C.I) aimed at regulating the importation of specific products in Ghana.
The government’s primary objective is to oversee the import of approximately 20 items, including diapers and rice, with the aim of fostering local production.
During an interaction on JOYFM, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Kobina Tahir Hammond elaborated on the regulation’s intent to guarantee the quality of imported products.
He emphasized the need to ensure a careful balance, particularly concerning rice importation, while highlighting ongoing efforts to support local rice production through initiatives such as the 1D1F factories.
“There has to be some effort, active effort, deliberate effort by the government to ensure that we are able to go back to champion Operation Feed Yourself. We want to be able to ensure that the country is on the right foot and it has the capacity to produce, to mix its internal consumption,” he continued.
On his part, Minority Leader, Cassiel Ato Baah Forson underscored the significance of careful scrutiny by the committee responsible for subsidiary legislation before moving forward with the instrument.
He implored the Speaker of Parliament and the Ministry of Trade and Industry to exercise patience, awaiting the outcome of the review process.
“The speaker is a matter of public interest. The convention in the House has been that the committee responsible for subsidiary legislation will take you through pre-laying… I want to plead with you, right, Honorable Speaker to urge the minister to wait so that tomorrow, after we’ve done the relaying and we are all comfortable with it, then it can be done,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Chamber of Agribusiness, Ghana, Anthony Selorm Kofituo Morrison, emphasized the necessity for the government to take decisive actions to halt the importation of poultry into Ghana.
He stressed the pivotal role of the poultry sector as the largest employer in the entire agriculture value chain, adding that a total ban on poultry importation will boost local production, drive public sector investment and create employment opportunities.
Morrison also highlighted the potential benefits of government support in curbing rice importation, heightening the positive impact it could have on the industry.
Additionally, he urged for similar proactive measures to halt poultry importation, emphasizing its significant role in the agricultural sector’s vibrancy and outreach across various value chains.
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Source: Eric Sekyi/ATLFMNEWS
