The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has convened an emergency meeting with cement manufacturers and key sector stakeholders to address prolonged port congestion that has left clinker shipments stranded at Ghana’s ports, inflicting heavy financial losses on industry operators.
The high-level engagement, held on February 23, 2026, in collaboration with the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, focused on operational bottlenecks that have delayed the discharge of clinker an essential raw material for cement production for periods ranging from two to three weeks.
Industry “Leaking” Financially
Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers Ghana, Bishops Dr. George Dawson-Amoah, painted a grim picture of the situation, warning that the industry is incurring severe losses.
“The cement industry is leaking financially,” he said. “Vessels are waiting between 13 and 20 days just to berth, and the demurrage costs keep piling up every single day.”
Manufacturers cautioned that if the situation persists, these additional costs could inevitably be passed on to consumers, putting upward pressure on cement prices nationwide.
Call for Interim Operational Flexibility
While acknowledging ongoing dredging works at the port, industry players appealed for immediate interim measures to ease congestion.
These include temporary access to additional berths and permission to handle non-dust producing raw materials such as gypsum and slag at alternative berths.
“We are not asking for permanent changes,” one manufacturer noted.
“We are simply seeking flexibility to keep production running while the dredging works are completed.”
Government Assures Fast-Tracked Dredging
Responding to the concerns, Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe assured stakeholders that government is accelerating dredging works to expand berth capacity and reduce congestion.
“The current berths are inadequate for the size of vessels now calling at our ports,” he explained. “That is why turnaround times are long and congestion keeps building up.”
He disclosed that once the dredging is completed expected by the end of June the port will be able to accommodate vessels exceeding 20,000 tonnes, compared to the current 8,000-tonne capacity.
“This will significantly reduce vessel traffic and waiting times,” the Minister said.
He further revealed that parts of the dredging works, particularly around Berth 14, are expected to be completed within the next one to two weeks, offering partial relief ahead of the full completion deadline.
Government Committed to Reducing Production Costs
In her remarks, Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare stressed that government’s intervention goes beyond preventing price hikes, emphasising its commitment to resolving operational inefficiencies affecting manufacturers.
“If we want good prices, we must also perform our part of the bargain to ensure that production costs remain efficient,” she stated.
She underscored the urgency with which her Ministry treats private sector concerns.
“Even a single day of delay in business operations can translate into millions of dollars in losses,” the Minister noted. “That is why we act swiftly when issues are brought to our attention.”
She expressed confidence that stakeholders would begin to see measurable improvements within the next one to two weeks and pledged sustained collaboration among the Ministries, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, and industry players.
AGI Commends Government Response
President of the Association of Ghana Industries, Pharm. Kofi Nsiah-Poku, commended the Ministers for their prompt and coordinated response.
“We are encouraged by the interim measures expected within the next two weeks and the full completion of dredging by June,” he said.
“These steps will restore efficiency, reduce production costs, and enable manufacturers to pass on savings to consumers.”
Hope for Stability by Mid-Year
The meeting concluded with renewed commitment from all parties to work closely to ensure the cement industry remains viable, competitive, and capable of supplying the domestic market without price shocks.
With solutions now in sight, stakeholders expressed optimism that by mid-year, port congestion and excessive demurrage costs will no longer threaten Ghana’s cement production or pricing stability.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
