The laying of a legislative instrument from the Trade and Industry Ministry, intended to regulate the pricing of cement products in Ghana, has been halted by the Minority in Parliament.

Trade Minister KT Hammond had instructed cement manufacturers to retract their decision to increase prices several weeks ago.

Manufacturers and the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) turned down this decision.

The Minister's attempt to secure legal support is now encountering strong resistance in Parliament.

NDC MPs are insisting on pre-laying procedures for the legislative instrument (LI) before its formal introduction.

According to the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the NDC's demand for pre-laying each L.I. contradicts the constitution.

"It adds up to nothing. In any event, any matter arising there too can still be resolved and when the document is properly before the committee. The Committee will be seized with jurisdiction only if we lay it and a referral made," he said on the floor.