Tema: President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned the world's largest Calcined Clay Plant at the Free Zones Enclave of the industrial city of Tema. The $110 million facility is a joint venture partnership between Heidelberg Materials and CBI Ghana Ltd. Calcined Clay is a pozzolanic material produced by heating natural, kaolinite-rich clay to high temperatures, transforming it into a highly reactive, cement-compatible powder. It serves as a sustainable, low-carbon alternative to reduce cement clinkers in concrete, enhancing durability, strength, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama commended the Board, Management, Chairman, and CEO of CBI and investors for their confidence in choosing Ghana for this investment. He praised their vision, courage, and commitment in establishing a facility of global scale and technological sophistication in Tema, an industrial hub envisioned by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. The President emphasized that the investment underscores the potential for economic growth and environmental sustainability to coexist.
President Mahama highlighted the historical significance of the facility, noting it places Ghana at the forefront of sustainable cement production. He remarked that this investment sends a strong message to the international business community about Ghana's openness to substantial industrial investments. He assured that the government would continue to maintain a conducive environment for investment, ensuring attractive returns.
The President acknowledged the cement industry's critical role in construction, housing, and infrastructure development, which had gained notable policy focus over the past year. He noted that cement prices had risen sharply by the end of 2024 but had decreased by approximately 20% by July 2025 due to macroeconomic stabilization and industry engagement. Recent data from the Ghana Surgical Service indicated a decrease in construction inflation to 3.9% year-on-year in January 2026, reflecting prudent economic management.
President Mahama expressed appreciation for the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers Ghana (COCMAC) for its ongoing dialogue with the government, stressing that such engagement is crucial for sector stability and growth. He emphasized the environmental benefits of the new facility, which is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions and replace imported clinker with locally sourced clay. This initiative is projected to cut import reliance by over 10%, retaining substantial economic value within Ghana.
The President was optimistic about the collaboration with Ghana Gas and Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, which supplies gas for processing the clay. He announced recent agreements with the Jubilee Partners to invest an additional $2 billion in the upstream gas, oil, and gas industry, enhancing domestic gas production.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Agribusiness, reiterated the Ministry's commitment to positioning Ghana as the most competitive manufacturing destination in West Africa. Mr. Fredrick Albrecht, CBI Ghana Ltd Managing Director, underscored the belief in the resilience, creativity, and excellence that characterize the Ghanaian spirit, which influenced the decision to site the factory in Ghana.