Cement regulators must crack the whip

The recent revelations about some cement manufacturers substituting limestone—a critical raw material in cement production—with cheaper, inferior alternatives are deeply troubling. 

This practice, aimed at cutting costs, not only compromises the quality of cement but also poses significant risks to the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure across the country.

The Daily Graphic finds this development unacceptable and calls for immediate and decisive action to safeguard the construction industry, and ultimately the lives of Ghanaians.

Cement is the backbone of construction, and its quality directly impacts the durability and safety of buildings, roads and other infrastructure.

Research by the CSIR Building and Road Research Institute, as highlighted by its Deputy Director, Professor Mark Bediako, confirms that limestone is indispensable in cement production, providing the calcium oxide necessary for the chemical binding process.

Substituting it with materials like quarry dust, clay or silica not only weakens the cement but also increases the risk of structural failures, which can have catastrophic consequences.

The implications of this malpractice are far-reaching. Buildings constructed with substandard cement are more prone to cracking, weakening and collapsing under stress.

This not only endangers lives but also leads to increased maintenance costs and financial losses for property owners and developers. 

Moreover, the reputation of the country’s construction industry, which is crucial for attracting foreign investment, is at stake. If substandard cement continues to infiltrate the market, it could erode trust in local construction projects and deter much-needed investment in the sector.

It is particularly worrying that some new manufacturers, including Chinese companies, are allegedly exploiting regulatory loopholes and weak enforcement mechanisms to continue this dangerous practice.

While the siting of their factories in areas far from limestone deposits may explain their motivation to cut transportation costs, it does not justify compromising on quality and safety. 

The use of inferior substitutes to flood the market with low-cost products not only undermines local manufacturers who adhere to strict quality standards but also puts the entire industry at risk.

The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) must be commended for its recent efforts to enforce quality control measures and bring these issues to light. However, identifying the problem is only the first step.

The challenge now lies in ensuring that all manufacturers, regardless of their origin, comply with the required standards.

The directive by the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, to shut down manufacturers of substandard products is a step in the right direction.

The deployment of GSA’s  inspectors to monitor suspected factories is also a welcome move, but more needs to be done to close regulatory gaps and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.

The Daily Graphic urges the GSA and other regulatory bodies to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to substandard cement production.

These include conducting regular and unannounced inspections, imposing hefty penalties on defaulters and publicly naming and shaming companies that flout the rules.

Additionally, there should be greater collaboration between regulators, industry players and research institutions to develop and enforce stricter quality standards.

Consumers also have a role to play. Property owners and developers must be vigilant and insist on using only certified cement products.

Public awareness campaigns should be intensified to educate consumers about the dangers of substandard cement and how to identify quality products.

The construction industry is the cornerstone of the country ’s economic development, and its integrity must be protected at all costs.

The use of substandard cement is not just a matter of cutting corners; it is a matter of life and death. 

The Daily Graphic calls on all stakeholders to act swiftly and decisively to rid the market of substandard cement and ensure that buildings and infrastructure are safe, durable, and fit for purpose.

The time to act is now.