Cement prices in Ghana are set to rise sharply, with retailers planning to increase the cost by approximately GHC 9 per bag starting Thursday, February 27.
Some sellers have already implemented the new pricing.
Samuel Azu, a cement retailer, confirmed the price hike, stating, “We have not yet increased the price, but this will take effect starting Thursday. From then on, any customer purchasing a bag of cement will need to pay GHC 120.00.”
He explained that the adjustment was necessary to sustain their business. “If you don’t have that amount, you won’t be able to buy cement in Tema or anywhere else in the country. The factories have attributed the increase to rising port tariffs imposed by the government,” Azu added.
He further highlighted the reliance on imported materials, noting, “Since most materials used in cement production are imported, any increase in costs from the source directly impacts the final price.”
Another retailer, Bismark Owusu Tetteh, expressed frustration over frequent price changes and called for stricter regulatory measures to stabilize the market.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry (GhCCI) has urged the government to intervene before the situation worsens.
The Chamber’s CEO, Emmanuel Cherry, emphasized the government’s responsibility in addressing the matter.
“The best person to assist us is the government, as they are the ones with the power. The mandate lies with them. We can only talk or advise, but it is their decision to act or not.”
Cement pricing was a contentious issue last year, leading to a standoff between the Cement Manufacturers Association of Ghana and former Minister of Trade and Industry, K.T. Hammond, over a Legislative Instrument (LI) aimed at regulating prices.
The initiative introduced by the former minister received mixed reactions from stakeholders in the supply chain.
As the year progresses, cement prices continue to rise, with retailers attributing the increases primarily to higher port tariffs.
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