Some cement dealers across the country are raising concerns over a growing shortage of major cement brands, attributing the disruption to a critical scarcity of clinker — a key raw material in cement production.
In the past two to four weeks, brands such as SOL Cement, Empire Cement, and Dzata Cement have become increasingly difficult to find. This comes on the heels of a GH¢9 price hike on all cement products, largely driven by rising port charges.
Retailers say their inability to restock has had immediate consequences, including turning away customers and losing revenue, as suppliers continue to struggle with clinker procurement.
Augustine Aduful, a cement retailer with over a decade of experience, voiced his frustration in an interview with Citi Business News.
“As for the shortage, it happens every time. You pay, but then you’re told to wait for delivery. As I speak, they are short of clinker. Two weeks ago, I paid for SOL Cement, and when I called yesterday, I was told I won’t get my stock for another two weeks,” Aduful said.
Another dealer, Isaac Frimpong, reported that he has been out of stock of the 32.5R grade of Ghacem cement for several weeks.
“Ghacem, in particular, has been facing a shortage, affecting many businesses. Our customers are now being forced to switch to alternatives like Diamond Cement,” Frimpong explained, calling for government intervention.
“The clinker shortage is being caused by overseas supply issues. Even the recent price hikes are tied to external factors. We hope that with government intervention, the situation will stabilize,” he added.
In response to the crisis, Emmanuel Cherry, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry, is pushing for a broader stakeholder dialogue to explore local alternatives to clinker.
“As stakeholders, including the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ghana Standards Authority, come together, we need to explore ways to add value to the raw materials we already have. We cannot continue to rely solely on clinker in cement production.
“Our manufacturing sector must start looking within, utilizing available technology and research. We should collaborate with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s Building and Road Research Institute (CSIR-BRRI) to leverage their findings and develop viable alternatives,” Cherry noted.
The shortage has sparked renewed debate over Ghana’s heavy dependence on imported clinker and the long-term sustainability of its cement supply chain.
Source: Citinewsroom