Cement shortage hits Ghana as dealers blame clinker crisis

Cement dealers across Ghana are raising alarms over a deepening shortage of several popular cement brands, pointing to a severe lack of clinker — the essential raw material used in cement manufacturing — as the main cause.

In recent weeks, products like SOL Cement, Empire Cement, and Dzata Cement have become increasingly scarce. This comes just after a GH¢9 increase in the price of cement, largely blamed on higher port charges and import-related costs.

Retailers say the shortage is already taking a toll on their businesses. Many are unable to restock their supplies, leading to lost sales and disappointed customers, as suppliers face delays in sourcing clinker.

Augustine Aduful, a cement dealer with over ten years in the business, shared 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,” he said.

Isaac Frimpong, another dealer, revealed 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 noted, adding that government support is urgently needed.

“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.

As the shortage drags on, calls for long-term solutions are growing louder. Emmanuel Cherry, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry, is urging a collaborative approach to finding 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,” Cherry said.

He further stressed the need for innovation and local partnerships.

“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,” he added.

The current situation has once again brought attention to Ghana’s over-reliance on imported clinker and raised questions about the sustainability of the country’s cement supply in the face of global supply chain disruptions.

Source: dailymailgh.com