‘Proposed LI on cement pricing unconstitutional’
By Isaac AIDOO, Accra
The Chamber of Construction Industry and Cement Manufacturers has raised concerns over what they describe as an unconstitutional Legislative Instrument (LI) related to the Ghana Standards Authority Act, 2022 (Act 1078, section 80).
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, expressed disappointment at the mismatch between the LI and the parent Act.
Speaking at a consultative forum, Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah emphasized that any LI must be based on a parent Act or law.
He pointed out that the recently laid LI in Parliament was based on the Ghana Standards Authority Act, section 80, which pertains to sales and advertising, not pricing.
This, he argued, makes the development unconstitutional, prompting the industry to seek legal advice.
Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah expressed frustration over the lack of consultation with major stakeholders, particularly cement manufacturers, in the drafting of the LI.
He noted that despite the longstanding relationship between the Chamber and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, there was no opportunity to discuss this specific LI on cement pricing.
He questioned why the Ministry would address cement-related issues without involving the primary stakeholders.
The CEO further revealed that the news of the LI came as a surprise through a WhatsApp message, highlighting the lack of direct communication with the Chamber.
He called for a resolution to the concern, emphasizing the importance of involving the Chamber, which coordinates all 14 independent cement companies in Ghana, in discussions on such critical matters.
