Cement prices in Ghana are expected to rise sharply, with retailers expecting to add roughly GHC 9 per bag beginning Thursday, February 27th. Some retailers have already adopted the new tariffs.
Samuel Azu, a cement retailer, acknowledged the anticipated price adjustment, saying, “We have not yet increased the price, but this will take effect on Thursday.” From then on, any consumer purchasing a bag of cement must pay GHC 120.00.
“This price increase is necessary because without it, we will be unable to replenish. If you do not have that quantity, you will be unable to purchase cement in Tema or elsewhere in the country. The factories have stated that the government has increased port tariffs,” Azu explained.
Azu expanded on the reliance on imported resources, adding, “Since most materials used in cement production are imported, any increase in costs from the source directly impacts the final price.”
Another retailer, Bismark Owusu Tetteh, voiced dissatisfaction with the frequent pricing variations and stressed the need for greater regulatory enforcement.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry (GhCCI) has called on the government to act and stabilise the situation before it escalates.
The Chamber’s CEO, Emmanuel Cherry, emphasised the government’s involvement in addressing the issue.
“The government is the greatest person to assist us since they have the power. They hold the mandate. We can only discuss or counsel; it is up to them to act or not.”
Last year, the Cement Manufacturers Association of Ghana and former Minister of Trade and Industry, K.T. Hammond, clashed over a Legislative Instrument (LI) aimed at regulating cement prices.
The former minister’s effort elicited a mixed response from supply chain stakeholders.
As the year progresses, price increases persist, with some shops blaming higher port tariffs.
