Cement prices may rise as clinker ships face delays at port

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has held urgent talks with cement manufacturers and port authorities to tackle severe congestion at the harbour that has left clinker shipments stranded and industry players counting heavy financial losses.

The emergency meeting on February 23, 2026, jointly convened with Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe, addressed operational bottlenecks causing delays of up to three weeks in discharging clinker—an essential raw material for cement production.

Industry representatives disclosed that vessels carrying clinker are currently waiting between 13 and 20 days to berth, attracting substantial demurrage charges. They cautioned that if the situation persists, these additional costs would likely be transferred to consumers through higher cement prices.

Bishop Dr George Dawson-Ahmoah, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers Ghana, described the situation as critical, stating the industry is “leaking” financially under mounting demurrage expenses.

While acknowledging ongoing dredging works at the port, manufacturers appealed for interim relief measures, including temporary access to additional berths and permission to handle non-dust producing materials such as gypsum and slag at alternative berths to ease congestion.

Government Assures Action

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe assured stakeholders that dredging operations are being accelerated to expand berth capacity and accommodate larger vessels. Current berths are unsuitable for bigger ships, resulting in extended turnaround times and vessel queues.

Upon project completion, expected by end of June, the port will receive vessels exceeding 20,000 tonnes—a significant increase from the current 8,000-tonne limit—substantially reducing traffic and delays. Sections of the dredging operation, particularly around Berth 14, should be completed within one to two weeks, offering partial relief ahead of full completion.

Trade Minister Ofosu-Adjare emphasised that government intervention aims not merely to prevent price increases but to address systemic inefficiencies affecting industry operations.

“If we want good prices, we must also perform our part of the bargain to ensure that production costs remain efficient,” she stated.

She noted that even a single day of operational delay translates into millions of dollars in losses for businesses, reaffirming her Ministry’s commitment to swift action when industry challenges arise. She expressed confidence in tangible improvements within a fortnight and pledged sustained collaboration between the Ministries, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, and industry stakeholders.

Industry Optimism

Pharm. Kofi Nsiah-Poku, President of the Association of Ghana Industries, commended the Ministers for their prompt engagement and cooperative approach. He expressed optimism that anticipated interim measures, combined with dredging completion by June, would restore operational efficiency and reduce production costs, potentially allowing manufacturers to pass savings on to consumers.

The meeting concluded with renewed commitments from all parties to safeguard the competitiveness and stability of Ghana’s cement industry, amid growing optimism that current port congestion will ease before mid-year.