The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has launched a nationwide operation to clamp down on the production and sale of substandard cement in Ghana, as part of a broader campaign to protect consumers and improve quality standards in the construction
Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry said over 300 newly trained Trading Standards Inspectors have been deployed across all regions to strengthen monitoring and enforcement in collaboration with the Ghana Standards Authority.
“In April 2025 alone, 82 cement samples were taken from both factories and market outlets across the country and subjected to laboratory analysis,” the Minister said.
She said that from May 6 to 15, advanced techniques such as x-ray fluorescence analysis were used to verify the chemical composition of cement products and assess their compliance with national quality benchmarks.
Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare warned manufacturers and distributors that any company found producing or selling inferior cement would face immediate closure and legal sanctions.
She said this tough stance follows growing public concern over poor-quality building materials, which pose risks to infrastructure durability and public safety.
“This is about more than just cement, it is about building trust in locally produced goods and ensuring that consumers receive both value and protection, she said.
The nationwide inspection is one component of a wider industrial reform agenda led by the Ministry. Other ongoing initiatives include the rollout of Ghana’s first National Agribusiness Policy, support for agro-processing firms through the Feed the Industry and ENABLE Youth programmes, and the establishment of Special Economic Zones to enhance private sector competitiveness.
Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare also indicated that the Ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Finance to design incentive packages for businesses under a revamped One District One Factory initiative.
