A petition to Parliament, signed by six business associations, requests that the House reject the government’s proposed import restrictions bill, which is being examined by the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
The Ghana Union of Traders Associations (GUTA), the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG), the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), the Chamber of Automobile Dealership Ghana (CADEG), and the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) are among the associations that make up the Joint Business Consultative Forum. They contend that the bill, if it becomes law, would negatively impact their companies.
The petition, dated Sunday, November 26, outlined concerns that the legislation could negatively impact the prices of goods, disrupt the free flow of goods, and potentially harm businesses.
“We vehemently oppose this LI and would appreciate its immediate rejection by Parliament to allow for proper consultations and dialogue to take place.”
“We strongly oppose this LI on the following grounds: The price of most products mentioned in the Ministry of Trade and Industry policy proposal will result in serious price hikes, as competition will be severely restricted.”
They added that “The Minister is the ultimate decision maker on which companies end up trading in each of these items. This will eventually lead to a monopolistic or oligopolistic position for a few select businesses in the country at the expense of many smaller businesses.”
Meanwhile, the Legislative Instrument (LI), which seeks to restrict the importation of some selected strategic products such as rice, poultry, and sugar, has been opposed by the Minority for the second time when the Minister attempted to lay it before the House.
