Trade Minister calls for greater use of local raw materials in cement production

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has called on cement manufacturers to increase the use of locally sourced raw materials as part of efforts to reduce dependence on imported clinker and promote sustainable cement production in Ghana.

Addressing participants at INTERCEM Africa 2026 in Accra, the minister stressed that innovation would be crucial to the future growth and competitiveness of Ghana’s cement industry. She urged industry players to adopt cost-effective production methods that maximise the use of the country’s natural resources.

Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare highlighted developments in Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) technology, pointing to initiatives by CBI Ghana and Ghacem as examples of how local materials can be utilised to reduce clinker consumption while maintaining production efficiency.

She noted that Ghana’s ongoing industrialisation agenda and infrastructure development programmes would continue to drive demand for cement, making it imperative for the industry to embrace environmentally sustainable production practices and strengthen import substitution efforts.

INTERCEM Africa 2026, organised in partnership with the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers Ghana, brought together industry stakeholders from approximately 40 countries and more than 100 companies to discuss emerging trends and challenges in global cement production.

Chairman of COCMAG and Chief Executive Officer of CBI Ghana, Frederic Albrecht, explained that Ghana remains largely dependent on imported clinker due to the absence of suitable limestone deposits required for large-scale clinker production.

According to him, rising fuel costs, congestion at ports, and disruptions in global supply chains have significantly increased the cost of importing clinker, underscoring the need for alternative local materials to sustain industry growth and competitiveness.

He added that cement products manufactured with reduced clinker content demonstrate the potential for Ghana to leverage local resources to lower production costs and improve operational efficiency.

Chief Executive Officer of COCMAG, George Dawson-Ahmoah, said the conference was designed to promote a sustainable cement industry capable of supporting economic growth while reducing environmental impacts.

He observed that Ghana is making gradual progress in reducing its reliance on imported clinker through the increased use of clay and other locally available materials, describing the transition as a critical step toward sustainable and cost-effective cement production.

The conference featured discussions on LC3 technology, global cement market trends, net-zero transition strategies, shipping and port challenges in West Africa, as well as developments affecting the global clinker supply chain.

Prince Antwi

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