Collins Sefa The Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana (COCMAG), has voiced strong concerns about the rising influx of imported bagged cement, particularly from Togo, warning that the trend threatens the survival and competitiveness of the local cement industry.
Safety and Market Concerns
In a formal petition to the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MOTAI), COCMAG’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah (Bishop), revealed that foreign cement brands—especially those from Togo—are rapidly flooding the Ghanaian market.
He cautioned that many of these imports bypass the Ghana Standards Authority’s mandatory product certification, raising safety concerns about the integrity of Ghana’s buildings and infrastructure. Beyond safety, he warned that the practice distorts market dynamics and undermines fair competition.
Threat to Local Investment and Jobs
Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah emphasised that local manufacturers have made significant investments in production capacity, job creation, and national development. However, he warned that unchecked imports risk eroding these gains, weakening investor confidence, and destabilising the entire industry.
“If urgent measures are not taken, Ghana could face widespread job losses, reduced domestic production, and a slowdown in industrial growth—potentially undermining the government’s broader industrialisation agenda,” he stressed.
Calls for Policy Intervention
The Chamber is urging the Ministry to launch an investigation and adopt corrective measures, including:
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Stricter enforcement of import regulations.
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A review of current trade policies.
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Protective interventions to safeguard the local cement sector.
“The long-term sustainability of Ghana’s cement industry and, by extension, the country’s economic transformation efforts depend on swift and decisive action,” the Chamber noted.
Imbalance in ECOWAS Trade
COCMAG also pointed to trade imbalances within the ECOWAS framework. While cement from Togo and other neighbours flows freely into Ghana, Ghanaian cement faces barriers when accessing markets in Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria.
“This has effectively turned Ghana into a dumping ground, with no reciprocal benefits for its local industry,” the Chamber argued.
Way Forward
COCMAG has called on government to adopt protective policies for the cement sector, similar to those implemented by neighbouring countries, to ensure fair competition and support Ghana’s industrial growth.
“We remain committed to working closely with the Ministry and all relevant stakeholders to address this matter constructively and collaboratively,” Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah assured.
