Accra: The Ghana Cement Manufacturers Association has reported that significant delays in discharging raw materials at ports are contributing to increased cement prices. Chief Executive Officer Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah highlighted that vessels have been experiencing prolonged wait times of up to 30 days or more at anchorage, exacerbating production costs.
According to Ghana Web, Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah explained that the primary issue lies in the limited number of berths available for unloading, rather than dredging concerns. In an interview on TV3, he emphasized that the problem has persisted throughout the year, placing additional financial pressure on manufacturers. This situation has sparked renewed debates about the escalating costs of cement in Ghana, drawing criticism from both consumers and businesses.
Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah detailed that the number of operational berths has dwindled from five or seven to just two, resulting in a bottleneck and increased import costs. He noted that the extended time vessels spend at anchorage translates into higher expenses, which ultimately affect cement production costs. The CEO clarified that manufacturers are dissatisfied with the rising prices, but the supply chain challenges leave them little choice.
The Ghana Cement Manufacturers Association has expressed support for government initiatives aimed at addressing the port congestion issue. Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah welcomed the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry's efforts to engage with stakeholders to find solutions, expressing optimism that collaborative discussions could mitigate the current bottlenecks in the industry.