The Cement Manufacturers Association of Ghana has petitioned the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, urging an urgent review of recent increases in Free on Board (FOB) values for key raw materials used in cement production.
In a letter dated Monday, April 13, addressed to the sector minister, the association expressed worry that the revised FOB values for clinker and granulated furnace slag were introduced without sufficient consultation with industry players.
The manufacturers noted that the sharp increases in the cost of these essential inputs are inconsistent with current global market trends, adding that the adjustments will lead to higher duties and taxes, thereby driving up overall production costs.
According to the association, the development is likely to result in higher cement prices, which could have a ripple effect on the construction, housing, and infrastructure sectors, ultimately slowing broader economic activity.
The petition, signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the association, George Dawson-Ahmoah, called for immediate engagement between government and cement manufacturers to establish a fair and sustainable pricing framework for raw materials.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ghana’s industrialisation agenda while stressing the need for a collaborative approach to address the challenges facing the local cement industry.