The Minister of Trade and Industry, Kobina Tahir (K.T.) Hammond, has taken a swipe at the President of the Cement Manufacturers Association of Ghana (CMAG), Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, over a petition to Parliament to reject a proposed Legislative Instrument (L.I) which aims to regulate the pricing of cement in the country.
The Cement Manufacturers Association of Ghana has expressed grave concern over the proposed L.I. arguing that it undermines fairness, transparency, and inclusive decision-making and fails to address the complex issues driving cement price escalation.
In an interaction with journalists Wednesday, June 26, 2024, the Adansi Asokwa Member of Parliament maintained that the government remains resolute in its quest to ensure Ghanaians are not shortchanged in the purchase of cement.
He noted that it is not right for a few people to be allowed to milk the nation to make wealth on the basis of doing business.
“Those who have established these factories, if you are not careful, as it is market operation, they want to maximise profit as much as they want. We think that it is not good for the health of the entire country if a select group of people decide that they will milk the system for wealth, is that a bad suggestion?” he questioned.
The Trade and Industry Minister described the letter from the Association demanding Parliament to reject his L.I. for not consulting them as “pretty insulting.”
“And so today I have received a petition written by the Association of Ghana Cement Manufacturers, pretty insulting. Dr. Amoah Dawson, he writes to Parliament, telling Parliament to order me to take back my document and to consult with him and that what I had done was not respectful or something because I hadn’t told him,” the MP stated, asking the Dr. to abreast himself with the provisions of the Constitution.
“He is a Dr. so reading and comprehension shouldn’t be a problem for him [so] he should go and read the constitution,” the Minister advised.
Import Restrictions Bill: Minority kicked against instrument for political expediency – KT Hammond
With additional files from Komla Klutse|TV3
