Growing congestion at Ghana’s ports is raising concerns within the construction sector, as delays in the discharge of clinker — a key raw material in cement production — threaten to push up cement prices nationwide.
Industry players say vessels carrying clinker are waiting between 13 and 20 days to berth, leading to escalating demurrage charges that could eventually be passed on to consumers if the situation persists.
The development prompted an emergency meeting on Monday, February 23, 2026, convened by Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, in collaboration with Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe. The meeting brought together cement manufacturers and key industry stakeholders to find urgent solutions to the operational bottlenecks.
Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers Ghana (COCMAG), Bishop Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, described the situation as financially draining, warning that the industry is “leaking” due to mounting demurrage costs. According to manufacturers, prolonged waiting times at sea significantly increase operational expenses, placing pressure on domestic cement prices.
Stakeholders proposed interim measures, including temporary access to additional berths and the use of alternative berths for non-dust producing materials such as gypsum and slag, to help decongest the port while dredging works continue.
Mr. Nikpe assured industry players that government is accelerating dredging works aimed at expanding berth capacity. He explained that once completed — expected by the end of June — the port will be able to handle vessels exceeding 20,000 tonnes, compared to the current 8,000-tonne limit, significantly reducing turnaround times. Partial relief is anticipated within weeks as sections of the dredging works near Berth 14 near completion.
Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare emphasised that inefficiencies at the port directly translate into higher production costs and ultimately higher prices for consumers. She noted that government’s intervention seeks not only to prevent price hikes but also to address long-standing structural challenges affecting industrial operations.
The President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Pharm. Kofi Nsiah-Poku, welcomed the swift response by government, expressing confidence that the combined interim measures and the full completion of dredging works would restore efficiency and stabilise costs.
However, industry leaders caution that unless congestion eases soon, the construction sector — and consumers — may soon feel the impact of rising cement prices.
