Trade Minister Lays Cement Bill In Parliament Today

The Minister for Trade and Industry, Hon Kobina Tahir Hammond is expected to lay the Legislative Instrument (LI) to regulate cement prices in the country before Parliament today.

He served notice about his preparedness to lay the Bill in the House on Monday, July 1, 2024, after representatives of the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana (COCMAG) allegedly boycotted a meeting with him.

Addressing the press after this, the Minister said he would not hesitate to lay the bill before Parliament regardless.

“I will lay the bill in Parliament tomorrow. There is no constitutional provision that enjoins the government to {consult anyone before laying bills in Parliament}.”

Additionally, he stated that bills and government policies are drafted in the interest of the ordinary Ghanaian and not businesses.

“All bills and policies laid in parliament are carved in the interest of Ghanaians who put the government in power. We don’t represent the interest of companies who are after profit. Real Estate developers are in support of this but cement manufacturers are against it. The government wants to regulate the prices. It’s their own cup of tea if they decide to boycott this meeting with me. The meeting didn’t happen.”

Following KT Hammonds’ announcement of the LI in the wake of the constant cement price increment, the COCMAG petitioned Parliament saying they had not been consulted.

“The unilateral attempt by the Minister to introduce this proposal to Parliament without engaging with us is not only unfair but also detrimental to the spirit of partnership and mutual respect that should guide our collective efforts to stabilize and grow the industry.”

It also urged the House to decline the Bill and direct the Minister to engage the relevant stakeholders to discuss the real-time cause of the increment.

“In light of these concerns, we respectfully petition Parliament to decline the proposed Legislative Instrument and to direct the Minister of Trade and Industry to engage with the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers and other relevant stakeholders to discuss and address the underlying causes of the price escalation. Such a collaborative approach will enable us to develop effective and sustainable solutions that consider the interests of all parties involved.”