Today, the Honorable K. T. Hammond, Minister of Trade and Industry, is slated to present a revised version of the Legislative Instrument (L.I) to Parliament. This much-debated L.I concerns the Export and Import (Restrictions on Importation of Selected Strategic Product) Regulations, 2023. Last week, the initial attempt to lay this instrument was thwarted due to the lack of quorum and inadequate consultation.
The proposed L. I is set to enforce regulations on the importation of 22 restricted items, encompassing products such as poultry, rice, sugar, diapers, and animal intestines (yemuadie). Importers of these items would be mandated to obtain licenses from a committee to be established by the minister.
The parliamentary Minority has repeatedly opposed the introduction of this legislation, asserting that it not only poses a danger but also breaches international trade protocols, potentially granting excessive authority to the minister, thus creating opportunities for corruption.
In a bid to incorporate broader consultations and secure the support of industry stakeholders, the House leadership, spearheaded by the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, and the Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, emphasized the need for off-record discussions following intense debates on the L. I last Friday.
Anticipating the laying of the L.I., both sides of the House consented to convene during the weekends in order to fulfill the requisite 21-day maturation period before the House adjourns on December 22.
Related To This: Business Associations Petition Parliament To Reject Import Restrictions Bill
Business Statement
Additionally, the extension of the debate on the Budget Statement and Economic Policy for the 2024 financial year remains a pivotal agenda in Parliament for the current week. The Majority Chief Whip, Mr. Annoh-Dompreh, announced an extended debating period, allowing discussions to continue until Wednesday, November 29.
To ensure inclusive participation, especially from backbenchers, this extended debating window aims to accommodate more members contributing to the motion for the approval of the budget. Traditionally, the final day is reserved for leaders from both sides of the House.
Given the time constraints, the Business Committee urged the Ministry of Finance and other ministries to expedite the submission of ministry estimates to Parliament for consideration and approval. Furthermore, the Committee encouraged all other sub-committees to promptly commence the evaluation of budget estimates from different Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) by Wednesday, December 6, 2023.
Related To This: Government To Impose Import Restrictions on Rice, "Yemuadie" And Other Goods
Ministerial Engagements
This week will also witness the appearance of seven Ministers of State before the House to address a multitude of questions. A total of 67 questions, including nine urgent ones, are expected to be answered. Notably, among the queries, the Minister of Works and Housing will be discussing plans concerning the resettlement of victims impacted by the recent Akosombo Dam spillage.
The upcoming engagements include ministers responsible for Education, Food and Agriculture, Communication and Digitalisation, Finance, and Youth and Sports, each slated to address various concerns and inquiries from the parliamentary members.
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