The Legislative Instrument (L.I.) seeking to regulate the prices of cement has been passed into law, despite opposition from cement manufacturers and sections of the public.
The initial draft of the L.I. included a provision requiring manufacturers to obtain government approval before setting prices, but this provision has been removed.
The Minority in Parliament voiced strong opposition to the proposed Legislative Instrument (LI) aimed at regulating cement pricing in Ghana.
This L.I., sponsored by Trade and Industry Minister, K.T. Hammond, has faced resistance from cement manufacturers who urged Parliament not to approve it.
Minority spokesperson on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Bernard Ahiafor, stated that the regulation contradicts the parent act, which covers standards for all goods and services.
“The parent act by its objects deals with all goods and services, that is setting the standard for all goods and services including the cement, and the understanding of the standard is controlling the quality of all goods and services produced and imported in the country.”
Despite these objections, the LI has been enacted after 21 parliamentary sittings.
K.T Hammond says the LI will lead to a reduction in cement prices across Ghana.
“I have consistently been arguing that we are not being treated fairly by the cement producing companies. I have gone through a lot of literature, I am beyond argument. There is a certain amount of unfairness in the pricing of cement across the country and I am prepared to make sure that there is some sanity,” he said.
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