The Minister of Trade and Industry, K. T. Hammond, has issued directives to the newly formed Cement Manufacturing Development Committee to ensure uniformity in cement prices nationwide.
Drawing parallels with the petroleum retail sector, where pump prices are uniform across the country, Mr. Hammond stressed the importance of establishing a similar pricing structure in the cement industry to promote price stability and uniformity.
He also emphasized the necessity for retail prices to closely align with factory prices, discouraging significant markups.
These directives were given in Accra last Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of members of the newly established Cement Manufacturing Development Committee, tasked with regulating the cement industry.
The committee was established in accordance with the Ghana Standards Authority (Manufacture of Cement) Regulations, 2023 (LI 2480), which mandate the formation of a nine-member committee to oversee the local manufacture of cement and ensure compliance with standards.
Chaired by the Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Professor Alex Dodoo, the committee includes representatives from various ministries and organizations, including the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, and the Ghana Institution of Engineering.
Mr. Hammond highlighted the legislative measures put in place to regulate the industry due to challenges associated with quality and standards. He emphasized the committee’s role in overseeing pricing practices and ensuring compliance with set standards.
“This legislation paved the way for the establishment of the committee to oversee pricing practices and ensure compliance with set standards,” he said.
Addressing concerns about substandard products, Mr. Hammond instructed the committee to closely monitor operations, particularly those of Chinese-owned manufacturers in the Ashanti Region that were shut down last year for non-compliance and the use of substandard materials.
He also urged swift action to rectify the status of entities operating without permits.
Transparency and public awareness were emphasized, with Mr. Hammond stressing the importance of informing the public about the committee’s role and the regulatory framework in place.
Additionally, Mr. Hammond instructed cement manufacturers to publish their factory prices in newspapers with nationwide circulation to inform consumers and ensure consistency in retail prices across the country.
Prof. Dodoo emphasized the primary objective of collaborating with industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies to establish and enforce strict guidelines for cement production, with a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility.
“By engaging with experts and industry partners, we can drive positive change and create a cleaner and healthier environment for current and future generations,” he said.
Bishop Dr. Ahmoah expressed the chamber members’ enthusiasm about the new regulations and their commitment to implementation. He highlighted the potential of these regulations to streamline the industry and enhance its competitiveness for the benefit of consumers.
He assured that all manufacturers would fully support the committee and the government in implementing the necessary measures to ensure sustainable cement manufacturing in the country.
