Accra: The Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana (COCMAG) has introduced a temporary GHS12.00 per bag clinker demurrage surcharge. It comes amid severe congestion at the Tema Port and rising operational costs in the cement manufacturing industry.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Chamber stated that the surcharge, including GHS10.00 before tax and GHS2.00 in applicable taxes and levies, was necessary to cushion manufacturers against extraordinary demurrage costs arising from prolonged vessel waiting times at the port. The decision was reached during an emergency meeting held on Friday, August 28, 2026, as announced by Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, Chairman of COCMAG.
The development comes as cement manufacturers face delays in the discharge of clinker vessels and escalating demurrage charges. COCMAG reported that vessel waiting times at the Tema Port have increased from an average of seven days in January 2026 to between 30 and more than 40 days in August 2026. This has led to estimated industry-wide demurrage costs of between US$45 million and US$50 million during the first eight months of the year. Individual vessels have been incurring demurrage charges ranging from US$800,000 to US$1 million, adding financial pressure on cement manufacturers and threatening the stability of clinker supplies.
The Chamber emphasized that the GHS12 surcharge should not be seen as a general increase in cement prices, but as a temporary measure to offset the exceptional costs due to port congestion. The surcharge will remain in effect until December 31, 2026, with monthly monitoring of the situation. A formal review is scheduled for January 2027 to assess developments at the port and determine whether the surcharge should be adjusted or removed.
COCMAG identified limited berth availability as a significant factor contributing to the prolonged waiting times for vessels carrying clinker, a key raw material in cement production. Currently, only three main berths are available for clinker discharge at the Tema Port, while Berths 10 and 11 remain inaccessible to cement importers and manufacturers.
Leadership from COCMAG, including Chairman Frederic Albrecht and CEO Bishop Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, expressed concern about the broader implications of the congestion for the cement industry and the construction sector. They warned that persistent congestion could extend shipment cycles to nearly three months, potentially disrupting the regular supply of cement in Ghana.
In response, COCMAG is engaging with the Government of Ghana and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) on urgent measures to address the congestion. Proposed interventions include reducing vessel waiting times, improving berth capacity, and restoring access to Berths 10 and 11 for clinker vessels. The Chamber stressed the importance of addressing port constraints to prevent further demurrage costs and maintain clinker supply stability.
COCMAG reiterated that the surcharge is temporary and will be reviewed as conditions at the Tema Port improve. The Chamber aims to reduce congestion to normal levels, allowing the industry to eliminate additional demurrage costs and remove the surcharge. COCMAG remains committed to working with government and port authorities to ensure stability in the cement industry and minimize the impact of port challenges on manufacturers, consumers, and Ghana's construction sector.