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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 First Lady, Lordina Dramani Mahama, has announced that the government will soon launch a Free Primary Health Care Programme aimed at improving access to healthcare across the country.
She said the initiative, which will be launched by her husband, John Dramani Mahama, will provide free primary healthcare services at facilities such as the Anyima Health Centre.
Mrs. Mahama made the announcement during the commissioning of the newly renovated Anyima Health Centre in Anyima, Brong Ahafo region.
According to her, the programme is expected to increase the use of health services, support early detection of diseases, reduce healthcare costs for families and improve the overall health and productivity of citizens.
“My husband, President John Dramani Mahama, will soon launch the Free Primary Health Care Programme, which will provide free care at facilities like the Anyima Health Centre,” she said.
Handing over the facility to the community, the First Lady urged health workers who will serve at the centre to treat patients with dignity and compassion.
She encouraged them to work towards ensuring zero maternal mortality and zero infant mortality at the facility.
Mrs. Mahama further called on residents of Anyima to take full ownership of the health centre by keeping it in good condition and making good use of its services.
She appealed to traditional leaders in the area to help protect the facility so that it can continue to serve the health needs of the community for many years.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called for stronger action to promote gender equity and create more opportunities for women in the workplace.
She made the call in a Facebook post after joining staff at the Presidency of Ghana to mark International Women’s Day.
The celebration was held under the theme “From Commitment to Action: Promoting Equity for Every Woman in the Workplace” and focused on recognising the achievements of women while reflecting on the work needed to ensure equal opportunities.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang extended warm wishes to women across Ghana and noted that women have always played key roles in the country’s communities and economic activities.
According to her, women in the past served as healers, traders and queen mothers who contributed to leadership and governance in traditional societies.
She explained that Ghana’s cultural history shows that women have long provided knowledge, leadership and innovation to help develop communities.
The Vice President however noted that current disparities require society to examine systems and structures that may have limited opportunities for women.
She stressed that advancing gender equity will require deliberate actions and the mentoring of young women to prepare them for leadership roles.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang recognised women whose work takes place in markets, streets and small trading spaces across the country.
According to her, these women form the backbone of local economies and continue to demonstrate resilience despite the difficult conditions they face.
She commended women working at the Presidency for their dedication and leadership and reaffirmed the need to promote respect, fairness and opportunity for every woman.
The Vice President further called on both men and women to work together to break barriers and ensure that women can fully contribute to Ghana’s development.
By: Jacob Aggrey
