Trade Minister rallies cement firms to reflect cedi gains in prices; warns of sanctions over substandard products
The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has urged cement manufacturing companies operating in Ghana to reduce prices to reflect the recent appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi.
Speaking at a crucial engagement with the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana (COCMAG) on Monday, July 21, 2025, the Minister called on industry players to allow consumers to benefit from the appreciation of the cedi, which has recorded significant gains in recent months.
The meeting focused on two major issues affecting the sector; pricing and the standardisation of cement products on the Ghanaian market.
Ofosu-Adjare announced that beginning August, inspectors from the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) would be deployed as part of quarterly inspections to ensure cement products meet national standards.
She cautioned manufacturers that failure on their part to meet the required GSA standards will result in the company’s shutdown.
Her directive signals a renewed government commitment to consumer protection and quality assurance within the construction sector, especially as infrastructure development continues to be a national priority.
In response, the COCMAG members welcomed the Minister’s engagement and expressed optimism about the country’s economic outlook. They acknowledged the government’s efforts in stabilising the economy, particularly in managing the exchange rate.
Industry giants including Ghacem, Cimaf, CBI, Dimond Cement, Dangote, Dzata, and Empire Cement were represented at the meeting. The manufacturers commended the Trade Minister for initiating the dialogue and pledged to cooperate with government directives on pricing and quality control.
They also committed to “work to ensure price reduction in the coming months and adhere to strict standardisation processes.”
The engagement forms part of broader government efforts to ease the cost of construction materials and enhance regulation in the sector to support both consumers and contractors.