The Minority Caucus in Parliament has raised concerns about the government's apparent lack of stakeholder consultation regarding a proposed legislative instrument aimed at restricting the importation of certain strategic products into the country.

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has presented a bill to Parliament outlining the government's intention to impose import restrictions on 22 specified commodities, including poultry, oils, margarine, beverages, paper products, insecticides, clothing, and automobiles.

Tensions escalated in Parliament on Friday, November 24, 2023, as Trade and Industry Minister Kobina Tahir Hammond clashed with the Minority caucus over the attempt to introduce the legislative instrument.

The Minority argued that the lack of prior notice and consultation amounted to an "ambush" on the House, leading to the prevention of the Trade Minister from submitting the legislative instrument.

Deputy Minority Chief Whip, Ahmed Ibrahim, stressed the importance of engaging all stakeholders, beyond political parties, in the decision-making process. He emphasized that the proposed restrictions could significantly impact businesses and consumers, underscoring the need for their input in shaping the policy.

“So all that we are saying is let’s engage those concerned. It should not be an engagement between only the NPP and NDC. Let’s engage the people whose businesses are going to be impacted by the action that we are about to take in Parliament,” he said.