We’re expecting re-introduction of import restrictions bill in Parliament – AGI

The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has stated that it is looking forward to the reintroduction of the import and export restrictions bill in Parliament.

The Ministry of Trade presented the bill to restrict the importation of 22 items, including poultry, rice, and sugar, among others.

However, the laying of the bill was suspended following pushback from the Minority and some stakeholders.

Speaking to Citi News, Seth Twum Akwaboah, the Executive Secretary of the Association of Ghana Industries, said the bill protects infant Ghanaian businesses; hence, the expectation of its return and passage.

“For us, we have not hidden our interest and support for that policy. Simply because we think that it’s a good policy that will support local industry development. It’s not against World Trade Organisation rules. It’s in line with the effort to support and protect local industries. And the government is, therefore, positive in that regard. And for industry players, we support it, especially with the understanding that it is not a ban but restrictions.

Restriction doesn’t mean that they are going to prevent goods from coming in. They are only trying to manage the situation. It was suspended for a while. I’m not the government, so I cannot tell when. But we are still following up, and hopefully, it should come back on stream,” Seth Twum Akwaboah stated.

However, on December 14, 2023, the leadership of the Joint Business Consultative Forum of Ghana expressed its excitement about the suspension of the Legislative Instrument (LI) seeking to restrict the importation of some products into the country.

They also expressed their utmost gratitude to the Speaker of Parliament and the minority for their fortitude and resoluteness in holding the fort for the trading community.

The government, on December 7, announced the suspension of the Export and Import Regulations 2023 Bill, halting its planned implementation after facing significant opposition.

The LI sought to restrict the importation of 22 selected strategic goods such as rice, guts, bladders, stomachs of animals, poultry, animal and vegetable oil, margarine, and fruit juices.

The rest are soft drinks, mineral water, noodles and pasta, ceramic tiles, corrugated paper and paperboard, mosquito coil and insecticides, soaps, and detergents, motor cars, iron and steel, cement, polymers (plastics and plastic products), fish, sugar, clothing and apparel, biscuits, and canned tomatoes.

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