The proposed bill seeking to impose import restrictions in Ghana has raised eyebrows, with Member of Parliament (MP) for Cape Coast South, Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan, expressing concerns over its potential consequences.
The Legislative Instrument (L.I.), currently under consideration, is designed to limit the importation of essential items, including popular goods like ‘yemuadie’ (tripes), with the aim of boosting the local economy and supporting domestic producers. Importers, under this bill, would be required to obtain certification from the Ministry of Trade and Industries before bringing in the listed items.
However, George Ricketts-Hagan, in an interview on JoyNews, voiced his reservations, particularly emphasizing that the current timing of the bill’s introduction is not conducive to its sustainable implementation. While he acknowledges the principle behind the proposed restrictions, he argues that more time and thorough consideration are needed to develop a practical and corruption-resistant framework.
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“The timing is not actually good for this. We agree with the principle and everything in it, but it has to be done in a way that will be sustainable,” he emphasized. George Ricketts-Hagan highlights the risk of endemic corruption that could emerge if the bill is rushed without proper consideration.
He further explained that the proposed Import Restrictions Bill, if implemented hastily, could inadvertently lead to the establishment of a 24-hour economy. Regardless of the government in power, George Ricketts-Hagan stresses that the potential for abuse of the proposed powers granted by the bill could pose challenges in the long run.
“This is a policy that leads straight into the 24-hour economy,” he added, underlining the need for a cautious and well-thought-out approach to avoid unintended consequences. The concerns raised by MP Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan shed light on the delicate balance required in crafting legislation that seeks to stimulate economic growth while ensuring transparency and accountability in its implementation.
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