Government suspends L.I. to restrict importation of selected strategic products

After strong opposition, the government announced that the Export and Import Regulations 2023 Bill would not be implemented as planned.

The goal of the Legislative Instrument is to limit the importation of 22 specific strategic goods, including rice, poultry, animal and vegetable oil, margarine, and fruit juices.

The remaining items are: motor cars, iron and steel, cement, polymers (plastics and plastic products), fish, sugar, clothing and apparel, biscuits, canned tomatoes, mineral water, noodles and pasta, ceramic tiles, corrugated paper and paper board, mosquito coils and insecticides.

Following strong opposition from members of the Parliament’s Minority Caucus and trade industry stakeholders, the bill’s introduction has been put on hold.

The proposed regulations raised concerns regarding inadequate consultation and the possibility of heightened corruption.

The suspension has been confirmed by Minister of Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, who added that it will facilitate additional communication with interested parties and guarantee that everyone is in agreement.

He underlined the significance of this collaboration and the objective of increasing regional production of these products.

“There is the need to get everyone rallying around it because it will ensure that the local production of these items are boosted,” the Ofoase-Ayirebi MP said, adding, “The idea is to ensure that the outstanding stakeholders get an opportunity to have their views expressed and considered.”