The Minister of Trade and Industry, KT Hammond, has faced a new obstacle in Parliament as the Import Restrictions Bill encountered another pushback from the Minority side.
This marks the third instance where the Minister has been denied the opportunity to lay the LI before Parliament. The proposed Export and Import (Restrictions on Importation of Selected Strategic Product) Regulations, 2023, spearheaded by the Minister, aims to limit the importation of 22 strategically chosen goods into the country, pending approval.
However, following the ensuing debates in parliament, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin has directed the Trade Minister to relay it on November 30, 2023.
“I want to reiterate that the Minister who is exercising delegated power, having gone through all the requirements of the law, as we iron out the procedure, kindly make available the updated draft to our committee (Subsidiary Legislation Committee).
Alban Bagbin
“You have disagreed on some issues and you have agreed on some. Once they [Subsidiary Legislation Committee] agree with you that legally you are right, then we may proceed to lay the instrument. So Thursday, the item will be programmed for consideration by the House. In other words, the instrument will be laid before the house if cleaned up.”
Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin
The Speaker further emphasized the importance of the Legislative instrument.
“I decided to devote this time to this issue because the matter is very key to our economy and several sectors in the country. That is why I allowed this time space for us to discuss the instrument”, he added.
Despite holding pre-laying discussions with the Caucus of the House, Minister of Trade and Industry, KT Hammond, faced disappointment today, November 28, 2023, in his attempt to present the Legislative Instrument (LI). The Minority, vehemently opposing the move, shattered Hammond’s hopes. They argued that numerous business groups had petitioned Parliament to reject the LI, emphasizing the need to address their concerns.
MPs Debate Over Import Regulations LI
Referring to Regulation 19 (3) which deals with the decision of the Minister to grant and deny licenses, K.T. Hammond argued how the regulation even in its current form and shape checked the powers of the Minister.
“A person dissatisfied with the decision of the minister under the regulation may seek redress in court.”
Regulation 19 (3) of the Import and Export Regulations 2023
According to him, he wondered how a Trade Minister arrogates to himself the power that he does not have when he has the sword of the court hanging around his neck.
K.T. Hammond
In assuring Members of Parliament of broader consultation, he indicated that cement has been taken off the list. He however underscored his displeasure with some rhetoric of the Minority side of the House.
“It is just the simple fact that my friends on the other side do not want this to be laid. Then they make a completely unfair comment; consistently they have been saying they represent the good people of Ghana. I have been wondering which people we do represent in this House. I don’t represent the bad people of Adansi-Asokwa, I represent the very good people of Adansi-Asokwa, in the Ashanti in Ghana.”
K.T. Hammond
The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu also registered his surprise at the turn of events while encouraging a broader consultation to resolve all outstanding concerns.
“I thought that we were making good progress. I must say I am taken aback by this sudden ‘insurrection’ in the house… Mr Speaker so that we will have time to consult sufficiently, I will plead that you indicate to the Minister that he rather do it on Thursday and not even tomorrow. That will allow us to have sufficient time for consultations. So that nobody complains thereafter.”
Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu
The Minority contended that the LI posed a significant risk and could adversely impact various businesses in the country. Ibrahim Ahmed, the Minority Chief Whip, cautioned the government to proceed cautiously with the LI. Meanwhile, former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu expressed apprehension that affected countries might retaliate against Ghana by instituting countermeasures.
“Mr. Speaker, the matter is a very serious one that hinges on the survival of businesses in this country. Mr. Speaker, we are not just objecting, and care should be taken. Let’s reflect on the serious issues that have been raised on this floor, and the minority has raised objections. Which of them didn’t go back to come and fight for this country? And this is one of them.”
Ibrahim Ahmed
Despite Minister KT Hammond’s efforts to alleviate the concerns of the Minority by highlighting that many of their issues were addressed in an updated draft policy document, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, chose to postpone the presentation of the bill. The laying of the bill is now scheduled for Thursday, November 30, 2023.
It’s worth noting that the draft policy will come into effect 21 days after being presented in Parliament.
