The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) is collaborating with cement manufacturers to ensure that cement prices reflect the recent appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against major foreign currencies.

According to GSA Director-General, Professor Alex Dodoo, most producers have already submitted their pricing for June. These will be reviewed by the Cement Manufacturing Development Committee, which will also engage the companies to advocate for downward price adjustments to ease the burden on consumers.

“Our currency has appreciated, and prices of many goods on the market are starting to respond. Cement should be no different,” Prof. Dodoo said. “The Committee, including industry players, has agreed that the benefits of a stronger cedi must be passed on to consumers. We will ensure this happens as we certify the submitted prices.”

Speaking at a stakeholder symposium on construction materials in Accra, themed ‘Science-Based Innovation for Robust Construction Materials in Ghana’, Prof. Dodoo noted that, so far, the submitted cement prices have largely remained unchanged from May levels.

He explained that companies typically delay price adjustments to confirm whether currency appreciation is sustained or just a short-term fluctuation. “Similarly, when the cedi was depreciating, we didn’t see daily price hikes. So, we are giving companies time, but if the cedi holds its strength over the next few weeks, we expect prices to drop.”

The GSA’s initiative follows recent appeals by the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA) for reductions in the prices of building materials in response to improved macroeconomic conditions.

GREDA President, Dr. James Orleans-Lindsay, expressed concern that despite the cedi’s gains, the prices of key inputs like cement and iron rods remain unchanged, undermining housing affordability efforts.

“Housing is priced in cedis, which already reflects exchange rate changes. Suppliers must align their pricing with the current economic reality,” he said.

Prof. Dodoo also revealed that Ghana is leading Africa in cement innovation, having developed a national standard for Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3)—a more sustainable alternative that significantly reduces the amount of imported clinker used in cement production.

“Instead of using 60% clinker, we can now reduce it to as low as 35%,” he explained. “Ghana is home to the largest LC3 factory on the continent. This shift will save the country around $500 million in clinker imports while also promoting green and local alternatives.”

The GSA Director-General further cautioned against unsafe building practices, particularly the mixing of cement types from different manufacturers, which he described as “simply dangerous.” He also warned against improper use of water during mixing.

To address knowledge gaps in the sector, Prof. Dodoo announced that GSA has developed a construction industry handbook, specifically designed for informal workers. “We’ll distribute this resource for free to ensure even casual workers are informed about safe and proper use of cement and concrete.”

He added that GSA has intensified its surveillance efforts, resulting in the removal of substandard cement products from the market and halting non-compliant manufacturers.

“We now have clear laws to ensure only quality cement is sold on the market, and GSA is enforcing them rigorously,” he emphasized.

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Norbert Schultes, Head of Institutional Partnerships at the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, reiterated Germany’s support for Ghana’s quality infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional partnerships, particularly in the construction sector, to ensure safer and more resilient infrastructure development.

The symposium was organised by GSA in collaboration with the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) of Germany and other international partners.