KT Hammond voices criticism towards Minority for obstructing the progress of the import restrictions bill

Minister of Trade and Industry KT Hammond has strongly criticized the Minority caucus in Parliament for blocking the Export and Import (Restrictions on Importation of Selected Strategic Products) Regulations 2023.

This legislative instrument mandates importers of 22 specified items to obtain licenses from a committee established by the Minister of Trade and Industry.

Speaking at the launch of the 3rd edition of the Made in Ghana Bazaar at the Accra International Conference Centre, Hammond accused the NDC flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, of publicly endorsing the policy despite the Minority’s opposition.

He accused the opposition of opportunism, noting their refusal to permit his proposal despite his constitutional authority, followed by the party’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, publicly endorsing similar import restrictions if his party returned to power.

Hammond expressed frustration at the inconsistency, labeling it as opportunistic politics prevalent within the opposition party.