The Chamber of Cement Manufacturers Ghana (COCMAG) has raised alarm over the surge of imported bagged cement, particularly from Togo, warning that the influx threatens the survival and competitiveness of Ghana’s local industry.
In a petition to the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MOTAI), the Chamber’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah (Bishop), cautioned that foreign cement—especially from Togo—is rapidly penetrating the Ghanaian market, often without adhering to the Ghana Standards Authority’s certification requirements.
He warned that such practices not only raise safety concerns for buildings and infrastructure but also distort market dynamics and undermine fair competition.
“Our local manufacturers have made substantial investments to expand production capacity, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economic development.
“As such, the influx of imported cement without any value addition to the local economy risks eroding these gains, weakening investor confidence, and destabilizing the entire industry,” Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah said.
The Chamber warned that, without swift intervention, Ghana could face widespread job losses, declining domestic production, and a slowdown in industrial growth, jeopardizing the government’s broader industrialization agenda.
COCMAG is, therefore, urging the government to immediately investigate the matter and introduce corrective measures. Its proposals include stricter enforcement of import regulations, a review of trade policies, and protective interventions to ensure the sustainability of local producers.
“The long-term sustainability of Ghana’s cement industry and, by extension, the country’s economic transformation efforts depend on swift and decisive action,” the Chamber emphasised.
The group also criticised trade imbalances within ECOWAS, stressing that Ghanaian cement faces major barriers in Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria despite the regional trade framework, while cement from these same countries flows freely into Ghana.
“This, the Chamber noted, has effectively turned Ghana into a dumping ground, with no reciprocal benefits for its local industry. COCMAG is therefore calling on the government to implement protective policies for the cement sector, similar to measures adopted by neighbouring countries, to ensure fair competition and industrial growth.
“We remain committed to working closely with the Ministry and all relevant stakeholders to address this matter constructively and collaboratively,” the Chamber affirmed.
