Gov’t suspends L.I to ban the importation of ‘Yemuadie’ and rice
The Export and Import Regulations 2023 Bill has been put on hold by the government, putting an end to its intended implementation.
The LI that was brought before parliament intends to restrict the importation of necessities, such as well-known products like tripes “yemuadie,” or animal intestines.
If the measure is approved, it will limit the number of products that may be imported into the nation.
The Minority in Parliament stated that the L.I., which the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government is frantically trying to implement in Parliament, has extremely far-reaching ramifications for Ghanaians, which led to strong resistance to the measure.
Speaking to the media, Minority Leader Dr. Ato Forson stated that the LI on Export and Import (Restrictions on Imposition of Selected Strategic Products) Regulations, 2023 aim to grant the Trade Minister the exclusive right and unlimited authority to authorize any individual who wishes to import certain necessary goods totaling twenty-two.
He said that these regulations are easily abused to give a select few people a monopoly and that they frequently encourage cronyism and corruption.
The suspension has been announced by Minister of Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, who said that it will provide more communication with interested parties and guarantee that everyone is in agreement.
He added that it will also increase the number of commodities designated for restriction. He stressed the significance of engaging with the various stakeholders in order to highlight the objective of local manufacturing.
The products affected by the import restriction bill are
- Rice
- Guts, bladders, stomachs, and intestines of animals
- Poultry
- Frozen cuts and offal of fowl
- Animal, vegetable, coconut, and palm oil
- Margarine
- Fruit juices
- Soft drinks
- Mineral water
- Ceramic tiles
- Corrugated paper and paper board
- Mosquito coils and insecticides
- Soaps and detergents
- Motor cars
- Iron and steel
- Diaper
- Polymers (plastic and plastic products)
- Fish
- Sugar
- Clothing and apparel
- Biscuits
- Canned tomatoes
- Aluminium products
