Ghana’s Ministry of Trade and Industry does complex a ban or restrictions on the import of certain goods was proposed in parliament, including: rice, sugar, poultry, fruit juices and animal intestines (tripe). The proposed regulations authorize the Minister of Trade to issue licenses to potential importers of goods. Critics of this policy claim that it’ll give the minister an excessive amount of power and create scope for corruption. Africa’s Godfred Akoto Boafo spoke to development economist Adu Owusu Sarkodie about this policy.
What are the import restrictions?
These refer to the various programs, mechanisms and regulations that the government can impose to restrict or limit the import of goods and services. They are available various forms.
Tariffs: These are taxes levied on imported goods and services. These can be specific taxes (fixed amount per unit) or ad valorem (percentage of value) or each.
Amounts: This means a direct limit on the amount of a specific good that may be imported at a given time. This is enforced by issuing licenses to individuals or firms.
Embargo and sanctions: This involves a ban on the import of a particular good. Importing prohibited goods is prohibited.
Quality standards and technical barriers: A rustic can set stringent requirements that imported goods must meet.
Local content requirements: According to this regulation, a certain proportion of the final good must be produced in the country, either in physical units or in terms of value.
The selection of a particular form of import restriction relies on the geopolitical, economic and social characteristics of the country.
What role does it play as an economic strategy?
Protection of domestic and emerging industries: Restrictions comparable to tariffs and quotas can raise the price of imported goods and increase the price of domestic goods trade deficits. This might help countries achieve this economic profits needed for long-term growth and development.
Environmental and health considerations: These restrictions may help solve the problem environmental and health concerns.
However, excessive import restrictions may backfire if foreign countries retaliate.
Why is Ghana considering import restrictions?
There were many reasons for this.
Health concerns: Concerns have been raised regarding quality some imported food and pharmaceutical products.
Protection of domestic and emerging industries: Cheap imports lead to collapse domestic firms. They are suffering high loan costs and the erosion of capital due to inflation. The government can protect them by placing restrictions on some of these low cost imports. This will make them competitive and save currency exchange.
Support the trade deficit and balance of payments: These restrictions will reduce imports. All else being equal, they’ll improve the country’s trade balance and balance of payments. The government could have sufficient foreign exchange reserves and will be able to finance its development program.
Revenue for the government: One from the International Monetary Fund conditions financial assistance to Ghana is that the government must increase tax revenues. It can do that through tariffs.
Stabilize the currency: These restrictions will reduce the amount of foreign currency utilized in imports. This increases the supply of the Forex market and helps stabilize the currency.
Have other African countries done this?
The East African Community, covering Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is subject to quite a few import restrictions. These countries share a standard external customs tariff on the cost, insurance and freight value of imports. They also ban certain goods comparable to certain pharmaceuticals, narcotic drugs, firearms and ammunition, explosives, pornography, genetically modified products and plastic bags.
South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Namibia inside Southern African Customs Union it also administers a standard external tariff on imports from other countries. They ban or impose quotas on certain goods, comparable to drugs and addictive drugs.
Nigeria has its own limitations on some products. These include rice, pork, beef, live or dead birds including frozen poultry, cocoa butter, spaghetti and some pharmaceuticals.
What is the way forward?
In addition to import restrictions, the following recommendations may help Ghana.
Diversification of the economy: Ghana must support industries beyond traditional sectors comparable to agriculture and mining. Investments in technology, innovation and value-added production might help make the economy more resilient.
Investments in education and skills development: This may include investing in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education to meet the demands of a contemporary and diverse economy.
Development of infrastructure: Invest in critical infrastructure comparable to roads, ports and energy to reduce transport costs, improve connectivity and attract investment.
Promotion of export-oriented industries: By specializing in products and services which are in demand in the international market, Ghana can increase its export earnings and improve its trade balance.
Trade facilitation and ease of doing business: Simplifying business processes and making it easier to do business. Streamlining customs procedures, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and improving the overall business environment can attract investment and promote economic growth.
Increased agricultural productivity: Invest in research and development. Promote sustainable agricultural practices, introduce modern technologies and improve farmers’ access to markets.
Reducing corruption: A great governance environment can attract investment and construct trust in the business community.
Continuous policy review: Economic policy must adapt to changing circumstances. Flexibility and the ability to respond to economic conditions are crucial for effective management.
Many countries adopted inward-looking or import substitution strategies in the early stages of their development. The key query is how much to produce to meet demand and at what quality. All stakeholders must ensure production meets demand while ensuring quality.
