Ghana’s construction sector is bracing for a potential hike in cement prices as severe congestion at the nation’s ports continues to stall the discharge of clinker, a vital ingredient in cement production.
Industry insiders warn that the prolonged delays, forcing vessels to wait up to 20 days to berth, are leading to spiraling demurrage costs that could soon be passed on to consumers.
The urgent situation prompted an emergency meeting on Monday, February 23, 2026, convened by Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, alongside Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe. Cement manufacturers and key industry players gathered to address the operational gridlock that has left clinker shipments stranded for weeks, straining the sector’s finances.
Bishop Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, CEO of the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers Ghana (COCMAG), painted a stark picture, describing the industry as financially “leaking” due to mounting demurrage charges. Manufacturers cautioned that unless immediate action is taken, the burden of these escalating costs will inevitably affect cement prices in the local market.
While acknowledging ongoing dredging works at the port, industry players called for urgent interim solutions, such as temporary access to additional berths and the use of alternative berths for non-dust-producing raw materials like gypsum and slag.
Minister Nikpe responded to these concerns by assuring stakeholders that the government is accelerating dredging activities to expand berth capacity. He explained that, with completion expected by the end of June, the port will soon be able to accommodate vessels over 20,000 tonnes—more than doubling current capacity and significantly reducing wait times. Partial relief is anticipated within the next two weeks as dredging progresses around Berth 14.
Minister Ofosu-Adjare emphasized that port inefficiencies directly inflate production costs and, ultimately, market prices. “If we want good prices, we must also perform our part of the bargain to ensure that production costs remain efficient,” she urged, highlighting the broader need to address structural bottlenecks.
AGI President, Pharm. Kofi Nsiah-Poku, praised the Ministers for their rapid intervention and collaborative stance, expressing hope that both immediate and long-term measures will restore efficiency and ease cost pressures for the industry.
Still, until these improvements are fully in place, stakeholders warn that the ongoing port congestion and rising demurrage fees could drive cement prices higher, leaving consumers to bear the cost if the crisis is not resolved swiftly.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com