Addressing public concerns over cement pricing, the Minister clarified that there has been no increase in cement prices, contrary to circulating speculation.

She explained that the government has been working closely with manufacturers within the framework of existing regulations to promote fairness for both producers and consumers.

Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare noted that while cement prices were relatively higher towards the end of 2024—with the 42.5 grade selling at approximately GH₵118 and the 32.5 grade at about GH₵113—prices have since declined.

Currently, the 42.5 grade of cement is selling at around GH₵107, while the 32.5 grade is retailing between GH₵80 and GH₵85, reflecting increased competition and improved macroeconomic stability.

She acknowledged that factors such as exchange rates, energy costs, and electricity tariffs influence production costs but emphasized that manufacturers have assured the Ministry of their commitment to maintaining affordable prices for consumers.

The Minister also announced plans to work with cement manufacturers to intensify public education on cement pricing and ex-factory price declarations, enhancing transparency and public understanding of how prices are determined.

On standards, she reaffirmed the role of the Ghana Standards Authority in ensuring that cement sold on the market meets declared specifications, assuring consumers that products labeled as 32.5 or 42.5 grades will conform strictly to those standards.

The Trade Minister commended COCMAG for its openness, cooperation, and willingness to comply with the law, and assured the public that the government will continue to engage industry players to safeguard price stability, quality assurance, and consumer protection within the cement sector.

For his part, the Chief Executive Officer of COCMAG, Bishop Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, praised the Minister for her bold leadership and for fostering a strong and cordial relationship with cement manufacturers.

He described the current collaboration as constructive and essential for maintaining order and mutual understanding within the industry.

According to him, the Chamber has consistently supported competition in the cement market while firmly opposing unfair trade practices.

He stressed that discussions with the Ministry have focused on ensuring a level playing field for all manufacturers, adherence to existing laws, and strict compliance with quality standards.

Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah further assured the Ministry of the Chamber’s commitment to self-regulation, noting that manufacturers continue to take steps to ensure that cement produced in the country meets required standards.

He reiterated COCMAG’s readiness to remain engaged with the government through the Ministry in the interest of growing a compliant and sustainable cement industry.

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The Authority clarified that no directive has been issued to increase cement prices, and the Cement Manufacturing Development Committee, of which GSA is a member, has not approved any such adjustment.

“The notice suggesting a ¢6 increase in cement prices from Monday, 19th January 2026, is FALSE. The Cement Manufacturing Development Committee, including GSA, has not issued any such directive. We urge the public to verify information through our official channels before taking action,” the GSA statement said.

The clarification comes at a time of heightened sensitivity in the construction industry, where cement prices directly affect project costs, housing delivery schedules, and the sector’s overall competitiveness.

The false notice had caused concern among builders, real estate developers, and suppliers, many of whom are already grappling with rising input costs over the past year.

Cement pricing remains a key issue for the industry, especially as companies plan budgets for ongoing and upcoming projects in 2026 amid easing inflation and relative stability in the cedi.

Separately, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, is scheduled to meet with cement manufacturers later today. The meeting is expected to focus on encouraging price reductions in line with improved macroeconomic conditions and addressing structural and operational challenges within the industry.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Larbi revealed that a bag of cement is currently selling at GH₵120, a price he described as “exorbitant” and detrimental to the execution of contracts nationwide.

“This GH₵120 per bag price is exploitative and unjust to the average citizen,” he stated, arguing that a fairer price would be significantly lower than what is currently on the market.

His comments echo concerns raised earlier by the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodza, who also lamented the impact of high cement prices.

While the Minister suggested GH₵95 as a fairer rate, Mr. Larbi insisted that even that was too high.

“The Minister says 95 cedis, but I believe it can be lower. We should be buying it for 70 cedis,” he said.

Mr. Larbi further noted that recent economic gains—such as the appreciation of the cedi from GH₵16 to GH₵10 against the dollar and the drop in fuel prices—should have triggered a corresponding reduction in cement prices.

“Even now that the dollar has dropped, manufacturers have refused to bring the price down. The 95 cedis proposed by the Minister is still too much. It should be about 70 cedis, not just for contractors but for all cement users,” he stressed.

Accusing manufacturers of unfair pricing, he disclosed that despite previous engagements with the association, producers continue to cite exchange rate pressures to justify the high prices.

Mr. Larbi therefore urged the government to intervene, arguing that aligning cement prices with current economic conditions would ease the burden of construction costs across the country.

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Speaking to the media in Parliament on Thursday, Mr. Agbodza said, “In my view, GH¢95 makes sense instead of the so-called GH¢120 cedis, which I call rent-seeking and so much unfair to the ordinary Ghanaian.”

He expressed disappointment that despite significant economic improvements in recent months, cement prices have remained unchanged, unlike other commodities whose prices have declined.

“Whilst every other commodity in terms of price has responded to the gains we have all made together as a country and as a people by reducing prices, cement dealers are refusing to pass on the gains to buyers,” he said.

The minister warned that the government will reconsider its relationship with cement producers who fail to reflect these economic gains in their pricing, particularly when awarding contracts.

“We will be more aligned to producers who are ready to pass on the gains made in the economy in terms of currency stability to consumers,” Mr. Agbodza stated.

He explained that cement pricing has a direct impact on public infrastructure costs, which are ultimately paid for by the taxpayer.

“Because the price of cement is directly linked to the cost of government projects, and invariably, it is the Ghanaian taxpayer who will pay for those projects,” he noted.

Mr. Agbodza condemned what he described as “rent-seeking” by some cement dealers, highlighting the irony of stable prices for basic food like kenkey and waakye while cement remains unaffordable.

“It is unacceptable that we can all make sacrifices as a country, yet cement dealers refuse to pass on gains to the people. This rent-seeking must stop,” he added.

While he acknowledged the government’s preference for locally produced cement, he cautioned that continued high prices could push consumers toward imported alternatives.

“If even Ghanaian cement producers have made themselves the most expensive, what do you think the average person buying cement will do? He will source it from a cheaper source,” the minister remarked.

Mr. Agbodza further disclosed that government is set to roll out a major road infrastructure programme and will prioritize sourcing materials, including cement, from suppliers offering the most competitive rates.

“Government is about to unveil a massive road infrastructure project. We shall ensure that cement used for government projects is sourced from the cheapest suppliers on the market. It is as simple as that,” he concluded.

Adomonline

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Former Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu had raised constitutional concerns in Parliament about the L.I.

Based on this backdrop, the Speaker then urged the Trade Minister to withdraw the LI following these concerns.

However, Afenyo-Markin argued that, these issues have been addressed in the revised version of the L.I, rendering the call for withdrawal unnecessary.

He clarified that, the L.I does not aim to control cement prices, countering claims by some colleagues.

“Every concern raised by members of the subsidiary legislation and in respect of amendment to the L. I got incorporated into the new L.I. Nothing is outstanding as it is today, based on the deliberation report from the subsidiary legislation committee, we have come out with the new LI so nothing is outstanding and I don’t see how the minister would have to withdraw this again.

“One of their colleagues misled the house by saying that we are by this instrument seeking to control prices of cement. This is not going to do so you’re interpreting the documents, you don’t just read a long title, you don’t read a heading and then assume that is what the document says,” Afenyo-Markin emphasized.

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Dr Dawson Amoah, President of the Cement Manufacturers Association, revealed that this option would be explored during the 21 days while the Legislative Instrument (L.I) on cement regulation is laid before Parliament.

“We’re going beyond the Ministry of Trade and Industry and up to the Economic Management Team because this issue is a major concern for both producers and consumers,” he stated.

Manufacturers are opposing the Trade Ministry’s L.I., aimed at regulating cement prices, insisting that further consultations on the factors driving cement prices must be conducted first.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, K.T. Hammond, invited the cement manufacturers for a meeting on Monday, July 1, but they declined upon seeing the media present.

In an interview, Dr Amoah explained that members were not informed about the media’s presence or the meeting’s agenda.

“I think we went there with the conception that we were going to listen to the minister. They turned down meeting the press because they were not prepared for it,” he said, emphasising the need for in-depth consultation on the matter.

Despite their refusal to participate, Minister Hammond proceeded with the meeting, stating his intention to lay the L. I in Parliament and refuting claims of insufficient consultation with the cement manufacturers.

“The cement industry is beginning to dictate to the political head of the organisation what they want, and I don’t think this is acceptable,” K. T. Hammond said.

He criticised the manufacturers for expecting a private meeting, saying, “They’ve seen journalists who will tell the world there has been consultation, but my understanding is that because there is press, they wouldn’t attend this meeting. They want me to get rid of you. I have therefore decided to go legal.”

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He blamed him for the controversy generated by the lack of consultation with relevant stakeholders who would be affected by the legislative instrument before Parliament.

Mr. Adams speaking on Adom FM’s Burning Issues expressed his disappointment in the Minister’s handling of the situation.

He revealed that, KT Hammond did not consult the Trade and Industry Committee in Parliament.

“The Minister’s approach is completely different from the problem. Look, I am apprehensive about the price of cement now because as a Member of Parliament, I have some projects I am doing that require cement.

“As for the Trade Committee, the Minister never consulted it but there is another committee that deals with the LI, known as the Subsidiary Legislation Committee, they were being consulted. But I won’t blame the Minister. I blame the government because there is no way a Minister could bring an LI to the Parliament without the consent of the Cabinet,” Kofi Adams said.

The Buem MP said the poor handling of the cement price issue is indicative of the Akufo-Addo-led government’s neglect towards Ghanaian citizens.

Kofi Adams said the current Ministers who are being paid by taxpayers have become a “liability”

“If you are appointed as President, the state takes care of all your affairs and as well as the Ministers to aid you to lead and handle everything for us. But it seems our Ministers have currently become what is termed as a liability. We are paying everything for them to work effectively but their approach to issues is inappropriate” he fumed.

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The move is part of a larger effort to crack down on substandard cement production across the country and protect consumers in accordance with the Ghana Standards Authority Act 2022.

Currently, only 14 licensed cement factories are operating in the country.

But speaking to JoyNews, the Director General of the Authority, Prof. Alex Dodoo said some of the factories are using poor quality materials to produce their products.

According to him, the development is unacceptable.

“The Standard Authority has done a research and we have noticed that some particular players believe that the only way to compete is to reduce the quality of cement.

“We have closed up three of them and I can assure you that in the coming days a lot more will be closed down because if there is one thing we will not compromise on, that is quality,” he stressed.

Prof Dodoo, who is also the chairman of the Cement Manufacturing Development Committee tasked to develop a framework to regulate the pricing of the product, explained that the newly proposed legislation aims to ensure transparency in the industry.

“Indeed, all players have agreed and we know the cost build up; clinker is key, energy is key and exchange rate is key.

“I believe that the whole purpose of the legislation is to promote openness and transparency in cement prices and cement manufacturers have indicated that there are some taxes that must be reviewed.”

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the Cement Manufacturers Association, Dr. Dawson Amoah said members of the Association are ready for a dialogue.

“I am a consumer myself and it is not out of fun that manufactures get up and increase prices. Anytime there is price increase, it is really with reluctance because they feel the effect.

“But they don’t have any other option but to do so.. so rather, I will reiterate that whatever efforts the minister wants to put in regulating the prices, be put on hold and I will rather suggest that there should be a dialogue to see how we can stabilize cement prices.”

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The former Vice Chair of the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association, Dr. Stephen Debrah-Ablormeti, revealed that cement prices had already increased by GH₵10.00 in May, with an additional GH₵12.00 hike set for July 1.

He stated that, a few days ago, he was notified by cement manufacturers that prices would increase again starting July 1.

“As of this morning, we got text message from the cement manufacturers that effective 1st of July, they are increasing it by 12 cedis.”

“The truth of the matter is that if you are on a project and it takes you 24 months to develop, giving the fact that cement contributes to about 70% of the building component, once the price of cement is increased, the price of block is increased, price of concrete is increased, price of plastering materials are all increased because it is the same ingredient that affects them in terms of their components.

So you realise that you get on a project from January, before December this project is already experiencing 30, 45% increase in cost,” he said.

Mr. Debrah-Ablormeti also mentioned that the price of iron rods should be increased as well.

Over the past two months, iron rod prices have risen by 28%.

“How do we manage our costs as developers? So, this is not getting funny at all so we strongly support the position of the Honorable Minister to push this agenda and with the backing of the industry, we should be able to have some competition that will be equitable for all on the market,” he added.

Play attached audio for more

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KT Hammond insists that the law is essential to prevent a cartel of manufacturers from exploiting the public.

Under the proposed LI, cement manufacturers could face up to three years in jail for violations.

Despite opposition from the Minority in Parliament and various interest groups, the Minister remains resolute.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, the minister explained that he has made multiple attempts to engage the manufacturers in good faith, but to no avail, hence the decision to enforce the law to ensure fair pricing.

“I intend to ignore the petition. I am working in the interest of the good people of Ghana and not in the interest of cement manufacturing companies,” he added.

Mr. Kobina Tahir Hammond stressed that although the manufacturers were not consulted during the drafting of the L.I., he had consistently had conversations with them on the need to be transparent about pricing.

“I didn’t have to consult them in drafting the L.I., I warned them consistently that they couldn’t do what they’re doing [raising prices]. I consulted with them several times in my office, I told them what I wanted. I wanted them to be transparent, for there to be a reduction.

“I was told they said I couldn’t do it. On a simple matter of price publication and self-regularisation, I have been going on and on…it gets to a point when something has to be done, and what has to be done for me within the law is to go to Parliament,” the Trade Minister said.

According to him, he is hopeful that the bill to regulate cement prices will be passed soon. He aims to lay the legislative instrument in Parliament and secure its passage before the current session expires.

“I have given the bill to my leader, the Majority Leader to get it laid and I expect that within 21 days it should become law.

By Thursday or Friday, it should be laid. I have a funny feeling that on this occasion they won’t battle me because if you battle me on this, you are battling the good people of Ghana,” he added.

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Prices checked show a significant jump from last week to this week, leaving many buyers bewildered.

In May 2024, cement ranged from GH¢85 to GH¢90 depending on the brand and ratio. As of June 4, 2024, prices soared to around GH¢110, according to dealers who spoke to GBC Ghana Online at Pokuase.

One dealer revealed current prices: Dzata cement (42R) is now GH¢108, Cimaf (42R) is GH¢107, Cimaf (32R) is GH¢87, and Ghacem (42R) leads the market at GH¢110.

Other sources report Diamond cement at GH¢75 and GH¢85, while Dangote ranges between GH¢92 and GH¢94.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Kobina Tahir Hammond, recently called for an immediate reversal of these price hikes to alleviate pressure on Ghanaians.

However, this directive appears to have been ignored, possibly due to overlooked root causes of the increases.

In a May 15 statement, the Ministry urged the Cement Manufacturing Development Committee (CMDC) to enforce the price reversal without fail and ensure uniform cement prices nationwide.

The CMDC, established under the Ghana Standards Authority (Manufacture of Cement) Regulations, 2023 (LI 2480), is responsible for regulating cement manufacture and promoting its wholesale and retail.

The Committee’s membership includes representatives from cement manufacturers, the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ghana Institution of Engineers, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI), and the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.

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Sammy Amegayibor has said the directive is in bad taste and will be difficult to implement because Ghana is a free market economy.

In an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Mr Amegayibor who expressed surprise at price hikes and the consequences on users admitted the manufacturers cannot be blamed.

“When it comes to the issue of price control, we are in a free economy where people determine their prices based on economic situations and other factors.

“There is no way the government can tell people how to sell their goods. What they can do is to put policies in place. They are concerned about price hikes but what can they also do for the manufacturers in the face of the difficulties?” he quizzed.

According to him, the government has done very little to support stakeholders in the competitive market.

“The directive is in bad taste because you cannot just start directing people when the fundamental reasons the prices have gone up have not been touched. You don’t see any efforts on the part of government.

“Every consumer will be happy about a directive to reduce prices by 50% but we need to be realistic in our expectations by looking at both sides,” he stated.

The Minister for Trade and Industry, K.T. Hammond has instructed cement manufacturers to halt price increment and publish their retail prices to curb arbitrary hikes.

However, relevant stakeholders as well as the Minority contends that this approach is misguided and unlikely to achieve the desired outcomes.

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According to him, government instead of issuing a directive should rather engage the cement manufacturers to decide the best way forward.

In an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem Monday, Mr Amegayibor emphasised that, government must also focus on implementing sustaining measures to support the manufacturers.

The manufacturers have given us their reasons for the increment but the government has not announced any relief measures including taxes, import duties, and alternative raw materials among others.

“These are some of the long term measure the government can do for the people to feel they care not that we wake up each day to hear one tax or another. These are killing the local industries,” he stated.

His comment comes after the Minister for Trade and Industry, Kobina Tahir Hammond directed the Cement Manufacturing Development Committee (CMDC) to immediately reverse their price hikes.

He also requested the publication of the retail prices by all cement manufacturers in the country to stop the continuous arbitrary price increases.

However, Mr Amegayibor has indicated stakeholders in the cement industry over a year ago met with the parliamentary select committee on the prices but to date, nothing has been heard.

“Cement prices have now gone up by about GH¢10 and all they can do is to just issue directives when there are repercussions for both the manufacturer and consumers,” he stated.

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Alhaji Razak has said the distributors make a profit of less than GH₵2 profit on a bag of cement despite the increasing competition in the industry.

Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem Monday, he revealed the recent hike saw a GH₵10 increment by manufacturers on each bag of cement.

“The manufacturers determine the cement prices and they have attributed the increment to the cedi depreciation, taxes, import of raw materials fuel prices and other factors,” he stated.

Alhaji Razak has acknowledged the sale of cement is not a profitable business, and distributors therefore cannot explain huge profit margins.

According to him, the price increment is adversely affecting their businesses because they cannot buy the quantities they want.

“Also, the end users are not able to purchase the quantities they want due to the increment and it is worrying,” he bemoaned.

He has therefore appealed to the government to swiftly intervene and put in place measures that will cushion the manufacturers to reduce the impact on consumers.

In a related development, the Minister for Trade and Industry, K. T. Hammond, has directed the Cement Manufacturing Development Committee (CMDC) to reverse their prices immediately.

A statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers (COCMAG), Dr George Dawson-Ahmoah has said to ensure operational viability and product quality, it is necessary to adjust the prices of cement.

The Chamber has argued that, although the new prices may affect consumers, there is a need to “partially offset increased manufacturing costs due to currency devaluation and other uncontrollable factors.”

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He clarified that cement is a major component in building and construction, so any significant change in its price greatly impacts their operations and activities.

Speaking on JoyNews’ News Night on Thursday, May 16, Mr Amegayibor stated that the recent rise in cement prices is very surprising and affects their operations and market offerings.

He explained that their business involves building houses where the cost cannot be determined, unlike supermarket items where cost elements can be quickly factored in.

“Our case, it’s not like that. You start a project to the foundation and you will be paying cement at 60 cedis – you get to the block work level, it goes to 70 cedis,… now you’re doing plastering and it goes over 100 cedis. How do you even determine the cost of the building,” he asked.

He noted that such an increase in cement prices is very detrimental to their operations, adding that despite previous increases in the prices of building materials, the recent surge in cement pricing is the “worst” he has seen in recent times.

Commenting on the Trade and Industry Minister, K. T. Hammond’s directive to address the price increase, Mr Amegayibor said that when a ministry managing particular sector issues such directives, it confirms that they acknowledge there is a problem.

“And so expressing of concern – it’s fair and it sounds refreshing. However, issuing a directive of this nature, one will have to ask that what are the fundamental causes of the cement price increment than to just issue a directive.

“If you reduce the price of cement today/tomorrow, we will be very happy but we have to be very fair because we are all in the business of manufacturing and so one wonders the fundamental issues that caused the cement prices to go up has not been addressed or mentioned by the Minister and only issuing directives for it to come down,” he added.

This directive follows his earlier instruction to the CMDC during its inauguration on March 8, 2024.

Mr Hammond emphasised the need for cement manufacturers in Ghana to reverse the recent price hikes promptly.

Additionally, he urged the CMDC to ensure transparency by mandating the publication of retail prices by all cement companies.

According to the Minister, the measure aims to curb arbitrary increases in cement prices, which have burdened consumers.

Furthermore, the Trade Minister reiterated his call for the adoption of a unified cement pricing mechanism across the nation.

He proposed a model akin to the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF), which regulates fuel retail prices in Ghana. Such a system would promote price consistency and fairness in the cement market.

The CMDC, established under the Ghana Standards Authority (Manufacture of Cement) Regulations, 2023 (L| 2480), plays a pivotal role in regulating the cement industry.

Chaired by Prof. Alex Dodoo, Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority, the committee comprises representatives from various stakeholders, including cement manufacturers, the Association of Ghana Industries, and governmental bodies.

Its mandate extends to promoting the manufacture, wholesale, and retail of cement and its components.

With a diverse membership encompassing industry experts and regulatory agencies, the CMDC is well-positioned to address challenges and ensure compliance within the sector.

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