Imports restriction: We promises to totally ban importation of products that can be produced locally — PNC

The Peoples’ National Convention (PNC) has commended government's intention to lay an L.I. in parliament aimed at restricting the importation of certain products into the country.

Some 22 products, including tripe, would be affected.

A statement signed by PNC General Secretary Janet Nabla said the party "firmly believes that this policy should be treated as a national issue rather than a divisive matter between the NPP and NDC".

It said the ongoing disagreements between the two major political parties only serve to impede progress while the Ghanaian youth suffer the consequences.

"Without drastic measures, job opportunities will remain a mirage for our youth whether it is PNC, NPP or NDC that is in power", the party said.

It noted that countries like India and Nigeria have "successfully taken bold decisions to limit imports, enabling them to provide employment for their young population".

"We firmly believe that no nation can develop by relying on imported goods for survival."

"However, we anticipate opposition from individuals who benefit from these importers or who have personal stakes in importation", the party noted.

The party said "some politicians and prominent figures may use every available platform, including the media, to speak out against this policy for their own benefit", adding: "We urge the government to be transparent about the current level of local production and how the allocated percentage for importers will be utilised to dispel any doubts".

The party also noted that "it is imperative for the government to create a preexisting market for grain farmers similar to what exists for cocoa producers, in order to encourage more young people to engage in farming".

It suggested that the govevenment "should make it mandatory for both the school feeding programme and the Free Senior Schools (SHS) to eat locally-produced food", since "this will end up boosting our local production".

The PNC, thus, called "on civil society organisations, the Ghanaian youth, religious bodies, and freedom fighters who advocate the welfare of the youth to exert pressure on parliament to pass the L.I."

"Parliament must remember the youth who lined up at polling stations to vote for them and prioritise their interests. We must be willing to endure some hardship for the greater benefit", the PNC urged.

It pointed out that "unless decisive actions are taken, there will be limited job prospects for our young generation", indicating: "When Japan initially began manufacturing, its citizens had limited choices but persevered through their mistakes, resulting in significant improvements".

A PNC government in the future, the party promised, "will go even further by completely banning the importation of all products that can be produced locally to prioritise job creation for our motivated and aspiring youth".

-classfmonline