Okay FM broadcaster Kwame Nkrumah Tikese has questioned the decision of Minister of Trade and Industry Kwabena Tahir Hammond (KT Hammond) to send away representatives of the Cement Manufacturers Association from a scheduled meeting with the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry (GCCI).
At the Church of Christ the King, Accra, on July 20, 2024. Nkrumah Tikese questioned KT Hammond’s failure to take a more diplomatic approach to resolve the impasse between the ministry and cement manufacturers, criticizing his rather confrontational style. During the meeting with the CEO of the Chamber of Construction Industry, Nkrumah Tikese called on cement manufacturers to be patient as KT Hammond is likely not to remain as Minister of Trade after the 2024 elections.
According to him, if the NPP government remains in power, it is highly unlikely that K. T. Hammond will be retained as Minister of Trade and Industry.
“He claims he could not stand up to the cement manufacturers. Has he set up a company? Has he started a business since he was born?
“Be patient and restrain yourself. He will be gone in December. I don’t think Bawumia will remain trade minister even if he wins the election, so he will step down,” he said.
KT Hammond recently dominated the headlines after a viral video emerged of him dismissing members of the Cement Manufacturers Association from a meeting.
Video of the event shows Minister Hammond insisting that the cement manufacturers leave the room before the meeting begins. “I was invited by the Chamber of Construction. I was not invited by the Cement Industry Association. I was not invited by them.” Can I go to the minister?”
He explained that he had already met with the manufacturers and that the purpose of this meeting was to speak specifically with the Building Council.
Despite efforts by representatives of both associations to justify the manufacturers’ attendance, the minister said: “Either I go or they go”.
