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31.01.2010 Feature Article

INCREASE IMPORT DUTIES ON FOREIGN RICE

INCREASE IMPORT DUTIES ON FOREIGN RICE
31.01.2010 LISTEN

Recently, in the Ghanaian news, local rice farmers beckoned on government to ban the importation of foreign rice into the country. For them, the importation of this foreign rice poses a market threat to the local rice industry as many Ghanaians are more comfortable with the intake of foreign rice. But, the issue is even far more than a market threat, information reaching MordernGhana.Com revealed a threat that is related to nutrition. According to the source, most of this imported rice has been in stock for about five months to about five years and more so very deficient in the micronutrient mineral; Zinc. On the contrary, it has been proven beyond measure that the local rice in Ghana is very rich in Zinc and besides always remains fresh in stock. Zinc helps in the growth of very young children; very important in the absorption of other micronutrients and lessen the incidence of diarrhea. The reality is, rice, which is other wise known as the 'The bread of Asia' has gain dominance in Ghana as a main staple. Children who needs Zinc most to grow healthy and strong are main consumers as well as adults.

I think outlawing the importation of foreign rice will put many Ghanaians out of business and will wreak havoc to families whose livelihood depends on the foreign rice business. Besides, it is not a law that is going to be easily ratified by parliament as some government officials are directly or indirectly involved with this business. Yet, domesticating rice in Ghana should be a good alternative for Ghanaians so as to enforce the program of eating what we grow.

I support the Ban on importation of foreign rice into the country; it will serve as a source of motivation for farmers who want to enter into rice cultivation. And not just that, government's foreign reserves expended on rice importation will reduce creating a surplus, and also, Ghanaian can be assured of highly nutritious rice; a rice rich in zinc aside protein (of which rice contains about 6.7%) and Carbohydrates.

One quickest way of doing this is to increase, momentously, duties paid on rice imported to the country. Government settled on a 20% increase on duties to be paid by rice importers and I think this must be increased as time get by. Although this will help boost the local rice industry there are also consequences; based on the increase in duties, the prices of imported rice will shoot-up and many food vendors who specialize in serving the public with rice will place a high price tag on the quantity of scoops they serve. This means, people will not get value for money as they pay more for lesser quantity of rice served them. Restaurant operators will as well increase the price on one plate of imported rice they serve so as to remain in business, making the average Ghanaian a 'restaurant phobic'. But, it's all good; the initiative serves the interest of the nation. The local rice is sweet and in no way inferior to foreign rice. Taste and see that the handiwork of God for every nation is good.

Fidel Y. Tetteh
ModernGhana.com

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