Port congestion delays clinker discharge, cement producers warn of price increases

Cement prices in Ghana could rise if persistent congestion at the country’s ports continues to delay the discharge of clinker, a critical raw material used in cement production.

Industry operators warn that vessels carrying clinker are waiting between 13 and 20 days to berth, generating mounting demurrage charges that may ultimately be passed on to consumers if the situation is not resolved promptly.

The issue dominated an emergency meeting held on Monday, February 23, 2026, convened by Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare in collaboration with Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe. The meeting brought together cement manufacturers and industry stakeholders to address operational bottlenecks that have left clinker shipments stranded at the harbour for up to three weeks.

Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers Ghana (COCMAG), Bishop Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, described the situation as critical, noting that escalating demurrage costs are causing significant financial losses for the sector. Manufacturers cautioned that prolonged waiting times for berth space continue to increase operational expenses, creating pressure that could translate into higher cement prices on the domestic market.

While acknowledging ongoing dredging works at the port, industry players urged immediate interim solutions. These include granting temporary access to additional berths and allowing non-dust producing materials such as gypsum and slag to be handled at alternative berths to ease congestion.

Responding to the concerns, Mr. Nikpe said government is accelerating dredging works to expand berth capacity and accommodate larger vessels. He explained that current berths can handle vessels of about 8,000 tonnes, contributing to congestion and extended turnaround times. Once dredging is completed — expected by the end of June — the port will be able to receive vessels exceeding 20,000 tonnes, which should significantly reduce vessel traffic and waiting periods.

He added that portions of the dredging works, particularly around Berth 14, could be completed within one to two weeks, offering partial relief ahead of full completion.

Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare emphasised that port inefficiencies directly increase production costs and ultimately affect cement prices. She stressed that preventing price hikes requires improving operational efficiency and addressing structural bottlenecks affecting industry operations.

President of the Association of Ghana Industries, Pharm. Kofi Nsiah-Poku, praised the swift intervention by the ministers and expressed optimism that the interim measures and completion of dredging by June will restore efficiency and reduce production costs.

However, until these measures take full effect, stakeholders warn that continued congestion and rising demurrage costs may exert upward pressure on cement prices, with consumers likely to feel the impact if delays persist.