Cement Producers Signal Possible Price Increases Amid Port Delays

Cement producers have signaled possible price increases as persistent port congestion continues to delay clinker shipments, placing significant financial pressure on the industry.

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, met with cement manufacturers and port authorities on February 23, 2026, to address growing operational challenges that have slowed the discharge of clinker ,an essential input in cement production.

The engagement, organised together with the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, examined bottlenecks that have left vessels waiting for up to three weeks before securing berthing space.

Industry stakeholders report that ships transporting clinker are experiencing waiting periods of between 13 and 20 days, resulting in rising demurrage costs. Manufacturers warn that sustained delays could translate into higher production expenses and eventual price adjustments for consumers.

The CEO of the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers Ghana, Bishop Dr George Dawson-Ahmoah, described the situation as severe, noting that mounting demurrage charges are steadily eroding industry finances.

While acknowledging ongoing dredging works at the port, manufacturers appealed for short-term interventions, including access to additional berths and approval to offload non-dust-producing materials such as gypsum and slag at alternative docking points to ease pressure on existing facilities.

Addressing the concerns, the Transport Minister indicated that dredging activities are being expedited to increase berth capacity and accommodate larger vessels. He explained that current infrastructure limits the handling of bigger ships, contributing to extended turnaround times and vessel backlogs.

Once completed by the end of June ,the upgraded facilities are projected to handle vessels exceeding 20,000 tonnes, compared with the present 8,000-tonne capacity. Portions of the work, particularly around Berth 14, are expected to be finished within the next two weeks, offering some early relief.

In her remarks, the Trade Minister emphasised that government intervention is aimed at tackling structural inefficiencies affecting industrial productivity, not merely preventing price increases.

“If we want good prices, we must also perform our part of the bargain to ensure that production costs remain efficient,” she stated.

She noted that operational delays, even for a single day, can result in substantial financial losses for businesses, reaffirming her Ministry’s commitment to swift and coordinated action. She expressed optimism that visible improvements would emerge within weeks through collaboration with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and industry players.

President of the Association of Ghana Industries, Pharm. Kofi Nsiah-Poku, praised the government’s proactive engagement, saying the interim measures and the anticipated completion of dredging should restore efficiency and help stabilise production costs with potential benefits for consumers.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintain the competitiveness of Ghana’s cement sector, alongside expectations that port congestion will gradually ease before the middle of the year.