Cement manufacturers appeal to Parliament to reject proposed price regulation.
Written by GliveRadio Accra on June 26, 2024
The Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana (COCMAG), has expressed serious concerns regarding a proposed Legislative Instrument (LI) aimed at regulating cement prices, which was recently submitted to Parliament by the Minister of Trade and Industry, K.T. Hammond.
COCMAG contends that the LI was presented to Parliament without prior consultation with industry stakeholders.
Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah (Bishop), CEO of COCMAG, criticized the proposal for lacking fairness, transparency, and inclusive decision-making. He highlighted that the LI fails to address the underlying factors contributing to the rise in cement prices, particularly the rapid depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the US dollar.
“The Minister’s unilateral introduction of this proposal to Parliament without engaging with us is not only unjust but also undermines the principles of partnership and mutual respect essential for stabilizing and advancing our industry,” Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah stated.
In light of these concerns, we respectfully urge Parliament to reject the proposed Legislative Instrument and instead direct the Minister of Trade and Industry to engage with the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers and other relevant stakeholders. This engagement is crucial for addressing the root causes of the price increases in a transparent and inclusive manner. By working together, we can develop effective and sustainable solutions that balance the interests of all parties involved.”
“We trust that our petition will receive your thoughtful consideration, ensuring that the voices of the primary stakeholders in the cement industry are heard and respected,” excerpts from the petition stated.
Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah affirmed his commitment to collaborating with the government to achieve a stable and prosperous cement industry in Ghana.