Government will continue to back import substitution, price stability and local manufacturing as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s industrial base, Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare said after touring three major factories at theTema Free Zones Enclave.
Ofosu-Adjare visited CBI Ghana Ltd., producer of Supacem Cement, Ciments de L’Afrique Ghana Ltd. (CIMAF), and Rider Steel on Monday as part of an industry engagement aimed at assessing production capacity, cost pressures and pricing dynamics, according to the ministry.
At CBI Ghana, management said the company has invested about $145 million since its establishment in 2016 and has adopted calcined clay, or LC3, technology to cut dependence on imported clinker. The innovation has helped lower production costs, reduce foreign exchange use and support local value addition.
“Reducing imports strengthens our economy, creates jobs, saves foreign exchange and ultimately benefits consumers through better pricing,” Ofosu-Adjare said, describing the technology as aligned with the government’s import substitution agenda. She added that authorities would continue to support manufacturers, particularly on energy costs, to help lower production expenses.
The minister also praised the company’s decision to hold cement prices steady despite cost pressures, saying the government remains focused on balancing profitability for producers with protection for consumers.
At CIMAF Ghana, which has an installed grinding capacity of 2.2 million metric tonnes, executives said the company was positioned to support Ghana’s infrastructure and construction needs as demand rises. Discussions focused on pricing, quality standards, safety, gender inclusion and the impact of macroeconomic conditions on manufacturing costs.
Ofosu-Adjare said recent stability in the cedi should translate into tangible gains for both businesses and consumers, while acknowledging persistent challenges such as energy costs and access to raw materials. “We want a win-win situation, industry must get a return on investment, and Ghanaians must enjoy quality products at good prices,” she said.
The final stop was Rider Steel, where the minister pointed to broader industrial policy measures, including the ban on exports of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metals, designed to ensure raw material availability for local producers. She said the policy was intended to help manufacturers operate closer to capacity and support job creation.
Ofosu-Adjare expressed satisfaction with Rider Steel’s operations, its use of local inputs and its approach to staff welfare, and reiterated the government’s commitment to continued engagement with steel manufacturers to maintain price stability and enforce standards.
Across the three facilities, the minister said a strong private sector remains central to Ghana’s industrialisation strategy, adding that the government will continue to provide policy support, promote innovation and encourage inter-agency collaboration to build a competitive manufacturing sector.
