Trade and Industry Minister KT Hammond clarified that the government’s proposed import restrictions on 22 commodities aim to promote local production and consumption, not create food shortages.

In a press briefing, Hammond outlined the plan to impose restrictions on products like poultry, oils, margarine, fruit drinks, soft drinks, mineral water, noodles, pasta, and ceramic tiles.

He stressed that this is a strategic initiative, not a ban, intended to reduce reliance on imports.

However, the Minority in Parliament criticized the Legislative Instrument, describing it as an outdated licensing regime that could lead to corruption.

Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Ranking Member on the Trade and Industry and Tourism Committee, argued that the bill reflects the failure of the government’s One-District-One-Factory (1D1F) policy.

The Minority Leader, Cassiel Ato Forson, labeled the regulation a bad policy and called for its immediate withdrawal, expressing concerns that it could fuel inflation and worsen the burden on Ghanaians.