President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) Dr. Joseph Obeng has called on the government to say that restricting some twenty-two strategic products from being imported into the country is not the way to go.
He called on the government to identify areas that Ghanaians are good at so that they can have a comparative advantage.
Dr. Obeng said as much as the country wants to boost local production, the government shouldn’t only look at daily production to better inform its decision.
Dr. Obeng made the remarks on the GBC Current Affairs Program, Talking Point monitored by the Ahotor FM news desk.
The government is actively working to implement regulations that will limit the importation of what it deems as strategic products. This initiative is proceeding without the establishment of a committee proposed by the minority to assess the move.
Among the 22 items under consideration for import restrictions are rice, fruit juices, ‘yemuadie’, fish, cement, and several others. The Minority successfully thwarted an attempt to lay the regulation last Monday, insisting on further consultations with the Subsidiary Legislation Committee.
Trades Minister KT Hammond clarified the purpose of the regulation to journalists, emphasizing its significance to the government.
The full list of 22 items being considered for import restrictions includes rice, guts, bladders, and stomachs of animals, poultry, animal and vegetable oil, margarine, fruit juices, 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.
The former President of the Poultry Farmers Association Eric Nyarko Ampem said any program that will bring a fair competition is welcome.
He however urged the govt to put in place measures for a smooth implementation to benefit Ghanaians.
Story by: KAAKYIRE NYAMEKYE DANSOA / Ahotoronline.com
EMAIL : elizabethgyebi@gmail.com
