The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has disclosed that since assuming office, she has not issued any licence for the importation of cement into Ghana, warning that individuals and companies engaged in the illegal importation of the product must cease such activities immediately.
The Minister raised the concern during a meeting with the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers Ghana (COGMAG) in Accra, where discussions focused on cement quality, pricing, smuggling, and unlicensed importation.
Ofosu-Adjare stressed that while Ghana operates a free-market economy, all players in the cement value chain are required by law to obtain valid licences to operate. She said this regulatory framework was crucial for maintaining standards, ensuring accountability, and promoting a level playing field for both local manufacturers and traders.
She expressed concern about the growing influx of unlicensed cement imports undermining the domestic industry and the risks to consumers and public safety. She described the situation as “a matter of urgency and necessity,” calling for immediate enforcement actions to halt the illegal trade.
The Minister commended the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for its ongoing efforts to curb cement smuggling at the borders but urged stronger vigilance and cross-agency coordination.
“I want the Ghanaian brand to adhere to standards in order to obtain the moral right in curbing invaders,” she stated.
Ofosu-Adjare also directed the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to intensify market surveillance and enforce compliance, ensuring that only licensed manufacturers and importers are permitted to operate. She emphasised that quality assurance and fair competition were critical for sustaining investor confidence in the country’s industrial sector.
During the meeting, COGMAG Chairman Frederic Albrecht noted that the price of cement in Ghana had seen a reduction in recent months, supported by exchange rate stability.
“In July 2025, on average, the price of cement witnessed a 20% reduction due to the stability of the cedi,” he said.
Albrecht added that COGMAG continues to monitor market trends and urged consumers to remain vigilant against counterfeit cement products, advising buyers to verify authenticity before purchase to ensure value for money.
The Ministry’s renewed stance is part of broader efforts to regulate the cement industry, protect local producers, and maintain the integrity of Ghana’s construction materials market as demand continues to grow in line with infrastructure development.
In September, the minister inaugurated a cement monitoring committee to tighten oversight of the sector, aiming to curb the use of imported substandard cements, enforce regulatory standards, and safeguard the competitiveness of local producers in a market crucial to infrastructure growth.
