The Minority in Parliament has blocked the laying of a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) that seeks to control the price of cement on the market.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry, having observed the spate of price increase in the building material, is seeking to lay an L.I. that will help control the price fluctuations.
However, the Minority is demanding a ‘pre-laying’ of the Instrument before it be brought on the floor.
It has therefore been referred to the Subsidiary Legislation Committee for engagement formalities before it is laid on Friday, June 28, 2024.
Deputy Minority Leader, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, noted that, “this order paper addendum will not be taken today, that was the agreement. There is going to be pre-laying and after that we’ll bring it back to the floor.”
Meanwhile, Majority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, explained that the constitution does not cater for pre-laying since it is only a convention adopted.
“Mr. Speaker, this House embarked on a convention with respect to C.I. especially matters that the Electoral Commission was bringing up for consideration. And we said that because of the nature of these matters, we have to had certain discussions. So, this ‘pre-laying’ language was somewhat created. It became a creature in this chamber. Now, for us to extend this conditional convention on all subsidiary laws with the greatest respect, will not be helpful.
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