By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
Cement manufacturers in Ghana have hinted at potential price increases as congestion at the country’s ports continues to delay the unloading of clinker, a critical raw material for cement production.
Industry players say escalating demurrage costs, with vessels waiting up to 20 days to berth, may eventually be passed on to consumers if urgent action is not taken.
Bishop Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, CEO of the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers Ghana, described the situation as “dire,” noting that the industry is financially “leaking” due to mounting demurrage charges.
He warned that prolonged vessel delays will drive up costs, with the likelihood of higher cement prices on the domestic market if the congestion continues.
Representatives from cement companies and key industry stakeholders gathered to address operational bottlenecks that have left clinker shipments stranded at the ports for two to three weeks, creating significant financial strain.
The issue was discussed at an emergency meeting on Monday, 23 February 2026, convened by the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, in collaboration with the Minister for Transport, Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe.
The Transport Minister, in his address, assured stakeholders that the government is expediting dredging works to expand berth capacity and accommodate larger vessels.
“Once the dredging is completed by the end of June, the port will handle vessels over 20,000 tonnes, compared to the current 8,000-tonne capacity, which will significantly reduce traffic and waiting times,” he said. Partial relief is expected within one to two weeks as works around Berth 14 are finalised.
Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare, addressing the gathering, emphasised that port inefficiencies directly increase production costs, which can translate into higher cement prices.
“If we want good prices, we must also perform our part of the bargain to ensure that production costs remain efficient,” she said.
Kofi Nsiah-Poku, President of the Association of Ghana Industries, praised the Ministers’ proactive approach but cautioned that until dredging and interim measures fully take effect, continued congestion could place pressure on cement costs for consumers.
