The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has called on cement manufacturers to increase the use of locally available raw materials to reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported clinker and strengthen the sustainability of the country’s cement industry.
Speaking at INTERCEM Africa 2026 in Accra, the Minister said innovation and resource efficiency would be critical to the future competitiveness of the sector as demand for cement continues to rise alongside Ghana’s industrialisation and infrastructure development agenda.
She urged industry players to invest in alternative production technologies that utilize local resources while reducing production costs and environmental impact.
According to her, advancements in Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) technology demonstrate the potential for Ghana’s cement industry to lower clinker consumption without compromising product quality or manufacturing efficiency.
The Minister cited initiatives by CBI Ghana and Ghacem as examples of how manufacturers are adopting innovative approaches to reduce reliance on imported clinker and promote sustainable cement production.
READ ALSO
She noted that increasing the use of local materials would not only reduce import costs but also support the government’s broader industrialisation and import substitution objectives.
INTERCEM Africa 2026, organized in partnership with the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers Ghana (COCMAG), brought together delegates from about 40 countries and more than 100 companies to discuss emerging trends and challenges within the global cement industry.
Chairman of COCMAG and Chief Executive Officer of CBI Ghana, Frederic Albrecht, said Ghana remains heavily dependent on imported clinker due to the limited availability of suitable limestone deposits required for clinker production.
He explained that rising fuel costs, port congestion and disruptions in global supply chains have significantly increased clinker import costs, putting pressure on manufacturers and consumers.
According to him, alternative cement products developed with lower clinker content offer a viable pathway for reducing production costs and enhancing the competitiveness of Ghana’s cement industry.
Chief Executive Officer of COCMAG, Bishop Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, said the conference was focused on identifying practical solutions for building a sustainable cement industry capable of supporting economic growth while reducing environmental impact.
He noted that manufacturers are increasingly adopting clay and other locally sourced materials to reduce clinker dependence, describing the transition as an important step toward a more resilient and cost-effective industry.
The conference featured discussions on LC3 technology, global cement market developments, net-zero transition strategies, shipping and logistics challenges in West Africa, and trends in global clinker supply.
Industry stakeholders believe increased adoption of local raw materials and innovative technologies could help improve the sector’s competitiveness while supporting Ghana’s broader industrial transformation agenda.
