By: Nana Yaa Kyeretwie
The majority Caucus in parliament have expressed disappointment in the Minority over their conduct in the laying of the L.I intended to regulate the recent price hikes in cement by the Minister Responsible for Trade and Industry Kobina Tahir (K.T.) Hammond. Addressing the press, majority leader Afenyo Markin who had stated their disappointment with the manner in which the minority went about the L.I, explained that the objective of the L.I as contained in document is to promote competition within the cement industry and not to regulate pricing of cement.
“Government is not seeking to re-introduce price control as if we are a communist government, this government believes in free market enterprise, but free market enterprise must also be regulated and checked” he said
Afenyo Markin explained that when the matter was brought up the minority had raised a strong objection to the effect that, they must subject it to pre-laying. He added that the Subsidiary Legislation Committee of Parliament headed by Dr. Dominic Ayine was believed to have gone through the bill and suggested the Trade Minister takes into consideration all the amendments made by them.
“True to his word, Hon. K.T. Hammond incorporated every single amendment proposed by the Subsidiary Legislation Committee into the new L. I before same was laid, so every amendment proposed by the minority was factored into the new L. I, so the question is why come the next day, some members of the minority coming to attack government?” he questioned
The majority leader lamented that the NDC minority are the same people complaining about the cost of living and prices of food stuffs and products in the country, so why are they against steps aimed at protecting the ordinary Ghanaians from being exploited.
