The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has issued a stern warning against the unlicensed importation and smuggling of Portland cement, describing the practice as a serious threat to public safety and fair industry competition.
The Ministry said it had launched a coordinated enforcement campaign to curb the influx of unauthorized cement products into the country.
Offenders, it warned, would face seizure of goods, heavy fines, and possible prosecution under Ghana’s trade and import laws.
The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on violations of the Export and Import (Restrictions on Importation of Portland Cement) Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2240).
“No import licences for Portland cement have been issued since my assumption of office,” she emphasized. “This means that any ongoing importation of the product without a valid licence is illegal and will attract punitive action.”
To strengthen enforcement, the Ministry said it was working closely with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to track and intercept unlicensed shipments.
The collaboration forms part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance border surveillance, conduct market inspections, and ensure compliance across the cement value chain.
The move aims to protect local manufacturers from unfair competition and uphold the quality and safety standards of Ghana’s construction sector.
“The goal is to ensure that only certified and licensed importers and manufacturers operate within the market,” the ministry said. “This will help maintain the integrity of construction materials and safeguard consumers from substandard products.”
The Ministry appealed to members of the public, particularly those in the construction and manufacturing industries, to support the enforcement initiative by reporting suspicious import activities.
It urged individuals and businesses to avoid purchasing or distributing cement from unverified sources.
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare underscored that effective regulation of the cement market was essential to sustaining Ghana’s industrial growth and public safety.
“We call on all stakeholders to adhere strictly to national import regulations. Illegal trade undermines economic stability and risks compromising the quality of infrastructure projects nationwide,” she added.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to transparent trade governance and market discipline, assuring legitimate importers and manufacturers of its continued support.
