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KT Hammond justifies import restrictions bill, says it’ll boost local production
The Minister of Trade and Industry, KT Hammond, has clarified that the government’s proposed import restrictions bill on 22 commodities is not intended to create food shortages but rather to encourage local production and consumption.
In a press briefing, KT Hammond outlined the government’s plan to impose import restrictions on a range of products, including poultry, animal and vegetable oils, margarine, fruit drinks, soft drinks, mineral water, noodles and pasta, and ceramic tiles.
He emphasized that this measure is not a ban, but rather a strategic initiative to promote domestic production and reduce reliance on imports.
KT Hammond acknowledged concerns from stakeholders regarding potential food shortages, but he assured the public that the proposed restrictions are designed to encourage local producers to step up and meet the country’s needs.
Giving further details on the Legislative Instrument on Eyewitness News, he further explained that the import restrictions may not be implemented until 2024, providing ample time for businesses and consumers to adjust.
“You know, by its nature, when you put an L.I. before Parliament, it takes 21 days to mature. And so by 21 days, all that traders would want to import, they can import. Because by the time the L.I. kicks in, they would have imported everything. So I am not anxious that it is going to lead to a shortage of anything going to Christmas. Hopefully, it will kick in 2024. But even that, as I said, it is not a ban.”
The Trade Minister encouraged Ghanaians to embrace this initiative and support local farmers by purchasing domestically produced goods.
He also mentioned that private businesses seeking to import restricted products would need to apply for permits.
“So we are not banning, but it will require some sort of assurance that there is the need for these particular items to be imported in the country, but definitely nothing like banning, but we will be monitoring.”
He said, “The Agric ministry is on board and the committee would want to ascertain how much quantity is it that the country can import. What is the gap between production and consumption and depending on that you would import.”
The government’s proposed import restrictions aim to strike a balance between protecting domestic industries and ensuring adequate supply of essential goods. By encouraging local production and consumption, the government hopes to strengthen the economy and reduce reliance on external resources.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
The Ghana First Alliance, a movement, is today staging a protest in Accra against the renewal of the mining licence of Gold Fields, a mining company owned by a South African citizen operating in Ghana.
The demonstration, dubbed “Operation No Contract Renewal: South Africa Must Go,” is being held to demand that government does not renew the company’s licence.
The group says their protest is linked to recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa by a protest group known as “march to march.”
They claim that many Ghanaian-owned shops were looted, while others were attacked, with some cases leading to deaths.
They also say the situation forced the Ghana government to evacuate thousands of Ghanaians from South Africa back to Ghana.
Speaking to some of the protesters, they said they will move to several key locations in Accra, including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Jubilee House, where they intend to present their petition.
The protesters are calling on government to terminate the Gold Fields contract and hand over the mining concessions to capable Ghanaians to manage.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
