Cement dealers across Ghana are raising alarms over a worsening shortage of major cement brands, which they attribute to a critical clinker shortage — a vital raw material in cement production.
Over the past few weeks, popular brands like SOL Cement, Empire Cement, and Dzata Cement have become increasingly difficult to find. This comes after a GH¢9 price hike on all cement products, driven largely by rising port charges.
Retailers are facing immediate consequences, including turning away customers and losing revenue, as suppliers struggle to source enough clinker. Augustine Aduful, a cement retailer with over ten years of experience, expressed his frustration, revealing that after paying for SOL Cement, he was told to wait an additional two weeks for delivery due to the ongoing clinker shortage.
Another retailer, Isaac Frimpong, reported being out of stock of the 32.5R grade of Ghacem cement for weeks. “Ghacem has been facing a shortage, affecting many businesses. Customers are now switching to alternatives like Diamond Cement,” he said, urging government intervention to address the crisis.
The shortage of clinker, largely caused by overseas supply issues, is compounded by recent price hikes, which have further strained the supply chain. Retailers are calling for government action to help stabilize the situation.
In response, Emmanuel Cherry, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry, is advocating for a wider dialogue among stakeholders, including the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ghana Standards Authority. Cherry emphasized the need to explore local alternatives to clinker, stating that Ghana’s manufacturing sector must look within, utilizing local technology and research to develop viable solutions.
The crisis has reignited concerns about Ghana’s heavy dependence on imported clinker and the sustainability of its cement supply chain. The government and industry players are now under pressure to find solutions to secure a stable and sustainable supply of cement in the country.
