The Trades and Industry Minister, K.T Hammond has laid the controversial Legislative Instrument (L.I) seeking to regulate prices of cement in Parliament.
The Minority Chief Whip Governs Kwame Agbodza explained the Price Control element has been taken out and in its place price reporting.
According to the Adaklu MP, the concerns of MPs and industry players have been addressed. First deputy speaker Joseph Osei-Owusu who was presiding consequently referred the LI to the subsidiary legislation committee.
The Legislation will mature after 21 sitting days of parliament.
With a bag selling for an average of GH¢105, concerns have been expressed regarding the escalating cost of cement. In an attempt to stop the increase, the government introduced legislation to start the process of cost regulation.
The Trade and Industry Minister was supposed to meet with important cement industry stakeholders to discuss the LI, but the industry players chose not to attend.
The stakeholder meeting was boycotted by representatives of significant cement makers, including as GHACEM, Dangote, CBI, Cimaf, and Diamond Cement.
The unannounced media presence at the Ministry’s premises served as the catalyst for the boycott.
According to the representatives, the meeting was supposed to take place behind closed doors. Walking out of the engagement, they conveyed their surprise and displeasure at the minister’s decision to invite the media without previous notice.
KT Hammond was adamant that the media be allowed to attend the meeting in spite of the boycott. Then, in his speech to the media, he reaffirmed his dedication to upholding state interests.
According to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the LI is proof of the government led by Akufo-Addo’s depravity against Ghanaians.
Source: Kasapafmonline.com
