Government reiterates commitment to import substitution after Tema Industry Tour

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has reiterated the government’s determination to deepen Ghana’s industrial development, ensure price stability, and advance import substitution after touring three leading manufacturing companies at the Tema Free Zones Enclave on Monday, January 26, 2026.

The inspection tour, which included visits to CBI Ghana Limited (Supacem Cement), Ciments de L’Afrique Ghana Limited (CIMAF), and Rider Steel, was aimed at evaluating production capacity, identifying cost pressures, and strengthening cooperation between government and industry to guarantee affordable, high-quality products for the Ghanaian market.

At CBI Ghana Limited, management traced the company’s growth since its establishment in 2016, revealing that total investments in the country have reached approximately US$145 million.

A key innovation highlighted was the firm’s deployment of calcined clay (LC3) technology, which has sharply reduced dependence on imported clinker, cut production costs, and conserved foreign exchange.

Madam Ofosu-Adjare applauded CBI Ghana for its emphasis on innovation, research, environmental responsibility, and local value creation, describing the company as a strong embodiment of the government’s import substitution policy.

“Cutting down on imports strengthens the economy, creates employment, saves foreign exchange, and ultimately leads to better prices for consumers,” the Minister noted, adding that government would continue to support industries—particularly through energy-related interventions—to help lower production costs.

She also commended the company for keeping cement prices stable in spite of rising costs, stressing government’s commitment to striking a balance between business sustainability and consumer welfare.

Accompanied by Deputy Minister Sampson Ahi, the Minister later engaged management of CIMAF Ghana, where she was informed that the company operates one of the largest cement grinding facilities within its pan-African network, with an installed capacity of 2.2 million metric tonnes. CIMAF reaffirmed its readiness to meet Ghana’s growing infrastructure and construction demands.

Key discussions at CIMAF focused on pricing mechanisms, quality control, occupational safety, gender inclusion, and the effects of wider economic conditions on production costs.

The Minister emphasized that the recent stability of the cedi must reflect in reduced pressures on manufacturers and improved pricing for consumers, assuring industry players of government’s commitment to tackling challenges such as energy expenses and raw material supply.

“We are pursuing a situation where businesses remain profitable while consumers benefit from quality products at reasonable prices,” she said.

The final leg of the tour took the Minister to Rider Steel, where she highlighted government policies designed to ensure reliable access to raw materials for domestic manufacturers.

She referenced the government’s decision to prohibit the export of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metals, explaining that the policy was intended to supply local industries and enable them to operate closer to full capacity.

Madam Ofosu-Adjare expressed satisfaction with Rider Steel’s operations, noting the company’s efficient use of both ferrous and non-ferrous materials, its commitment to employee welfare, and its contribution to job creation.

She reaffirmed government’s willingness to continue engaging steel manufacturers to sustain price stability while ensuring adherence to required standards.

Throughout the tour, the Minister stressed that a robust private sector is essential to Ghana’s industrial transformation, pledging continued policy support, stronger inter-agency coordination, and encouragement for innovation to build a resilient and competitive manufacturing industry nationwide.