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After constitutional concerns expressed by former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu, Speaker of the Parliament Alban Bagbin has instructed Trade Minister K.T. Hammond to remove the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) on cement price regulation.
After 21 sitting days, the L.I., which was introduced on July 2, is expected to become law. The Ghana Standards ability’s legal ability to control prices, however, was contested by Tamale South MP Haruna Iddrisu.
“The Ghana Standard Authority Act 2022, Act 1078, section 80 uses the word sale and advertising; this is pricing. Do they have a mandate to regulate based on section 80? That is constitutional. The Ghana Standards Authority is an institution to regulate standards, not pricing. Mr. Speaker, Ghana cannot go this low,” the Tamale South MP argued.
Speaker Bagbin suggested that the Trade Minister reevaluate the L.I. as a result of the debate.
“Honourable members, the danger is that, by the standards set by Article 11 (7), this House may not be able to measure up to that two-thirds majority to annul an instrument that the House itself is convinced has no legal basis. That is the challenge and danger,” Speaker Bagbin stated.
He added, “I will advise, I’m not directing, that the sponsors of the instrument should take a second look at it. And if possible, withdraw and capture it in the appropriate language. To come within the statutory limits that we have, it’s just advice, it’s not a directive.”
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
