Transport and Trade Ministers engage cement manufacturers over clinker delay
The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, convened an emergency meeting with cement manufacturers and key sector players on February 23, 2026, to address prolonged port congestion that has left clinker shipments stranded at Ghana’s port.
The meeting focused on operational challenges that have delayed the discharge of clinker, a key raw material in cement production, for up to two or three weeks.
Speaking at the meeting, the CEO of the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers Ghana (COCMAG), Bishop Dr George Dawson-Ahmoah, described the situation as dire and financially detrimental to the sector.
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“The cement industry is leaking financially due to mounting demurrage costs,” he said.
Industry players noted that vessels are currently waiting between 13 to 20 days to berth, attracting additional charges that could eventually be passed on to consumers if not urgently addressed.
The manufacturers acknowledged ongoing dredging works at the port but appealed for interim operational flexibility, including temporary access to additional berths and consideration for handling non-dust producing raw materials, such as gypsum and slag, at alternative berths to ease congestion.
Responding to the concerns, the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, assured stakeholders that the government is fast-tracking dredging works to expand berth capacity and accommodate larger vessels.
He explained that the current berths are inadequate for bigger vessels, resulting in longer turnaround times and congestion.
“Once the dredging is completed, expected by the end of June, the port will be able to handle vessels with capacities of over 20,000 tonnes, compared to the current 8,000-tonne capacity,” he said, noting that this would significantly reduce vessel traffic and waiting times.
He also indicated that portions of the dredging works, particularly around Berth 14, are expected to be completed within the next one to two weeks, providing partial relief before the full completion deadline in June 2026.
The Trade Minister, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, emphasised that government’s interest goes beyond preventing price increases, noting that the Ministry is equally committed to resolving operational bottlenecks affecting industry players.
She stressed that inefficiencies at the port directly increase production costs, which ultimately affect cement prices on the market.
“If we want good prices, we must also perform our part of the bargain to ensure that production costs remain efficient,” she said.
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