IMPORTATION OF CEMENT: "I HAVE NOT ISSUED ONE LICENCE SINCE I BECAME A MINISTER" — HON. OFOSU-ADJARE TO CEMENT MANUFACTURERS
The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Mrs.
Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, says that since taking office as Minister for the
sector, she has not issued a single licence for the importation of cement into
the country.
The Minister bemoaned the activities of some individuals and
companies engaged in the illegal importation of cement into the Ghanaian market
and stressed that, as a matter of urgency and necessity, such illegalities must
cease.
She said Ghana is a free economy, and it requires
manufacturers to obtain a valid licence to trade in the cement value chain, as
this will guide their operations and help regulate the industry.
The Hon. Minister stated this at a meeting with the Chamber
of Cement Manufacturers Ghana (COGMAG) in Accra on Wednesday, 8th October 2025.
The follow-up meeting with the Hon. Minister delved into
issues such as the quality of cement produced, pricing, smuggling, and
importation.
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare also commended the Ghana Revenue Authority
(GRA) for its efforts so far in controlling the smuggling of cement at the
borders and urged the Authority to work assiduously in curbing the menace of
smuggling and illegal importation.
"I want the Ghanaian brand to adhere to standards in
order to obtain the moral right in curbing invaders," she stated.
She charged the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to ensure
compliance and to make sure that only licensed manufacturers and importers
operate in the market, emphasising the importance of quality control and fair
competition.
The Chairman of COGMAG, Mr. Frederic Albrecht, said that in
July 2025, on average, the price of cement witnessed a 20% reduction due to the
stability of the cedi.
He added that COGMAG is still monitoring the situation to
take further steps and further advised customers to check for fake cement
products before purchase to guarantee value for money.
