The Deputy Minister of Trade in charge of Industry, Mr. Michael Okyere Baafi, has made an earnest appeal to the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers to reconsider their position on the proposed Legislative Instrument(L.I) for regulating cement pricing in the country.
Mr. Baafi emphasized that the best way to resolve the ongoing conflict between the Ministry of Trade and the cement manufacturers is through engagement and dialogue.
“We can only reach an agreement when we sit down at the table,” he stated, stressing the importance of open communication and negotiation.
Mr. Baafi, who led the legislative efforts on cement regulation, highlighted his positive relationship with the manufacturers, which previously resulted in the Ministry of Health waiving taxes on the fumigation of clinker at the port.
He expressed confidence in the goodwill of the manufacturers, noting his extensive experience working with them.
He urged the manufacturers to maintain the strong relationship they have built with the Ministry. As the Member of Parliament for New Juaben South Constituency in the Eastern Region, Mr. Baafi made this appeal during an interview with Kwame Dwomoh Agyemang, host of the morning show on Class 91.3 FM, on Friday, July 5, 2024.
He reiterated that engagement, rather than stubbornness, is the key to resolving the issue and called on the manufacturers to soften their stance for the sake of national progress.
Mr. Baafi acknowledged the significant contributions of the fourteen cement manufacturing companies in the country, while noting that a few are not meeting expectations.
Earlier, the Minister of Trade and Industry, K.T. Hammond, urged manufacturers and their associations to be mindful of cement pricing.
He highlighted the need for a Legislative Instrument to regulate prices, stating, “We’ve asked them to publish the expatriate prices for us to understand how much they are going to sell a bag of cement.”
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