Cement manufacturers urge Parliament to reject proposed price regulation

The Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana (COCMAG) has expressed significant concern over a proposed Legislative Instrument (LI) aimed at regulating cement prices, which was recently submitted to Parliament by the Minister of Trade and Industry, K.T. Hammond. The chamber said this LI was introduced without prior consultation with industry stakeholders, raising issues of fairness and transparency.

Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, CEO of COCMAG, criticized the proposal, emphasizing that it overlooks the complex factors driving cement price increases, particularly the rapid depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the US dollar.

He argued that the Minister’s unilateral approach in introducing the proposal to Parliament without engaging the chamber, undermines the spirit of partnership and mutual respect essential for stabilizing and growing the industry.

“The unilateral attempt by the Minister to introduce this proposal to Parliament without engaging with us is not only unfair but also detrimental to the spirit of partnership and mutual respect that should guide our collective efforts to stabilize and grow the industry,” said Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah.

“In light of these concerns, we respectfully petition Parliament to decline the proposed Legislative Instrument and to direct the Minister of Trade and Industry to engage with the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers and other relevant stakeholders to discuss and address the underlying causes of the price escalation. Such a collaborative approach will enable us to develop effective and sustainable solutions that consider the interests of all parties involved.”

“We trust that you will consider our petition so as to ensure that the voices of the primary stakeholders in the cement industry are heard and respected,” excerpts of the petition read.

Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah assured that his organization is committed to working with the government to achieve a stable and prosperous cement industry in Ghana.