The Ministries of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, and Transport have convened an emergency meeting with cement manufacturers and key sector players to address prolonged port congestion that has left clinker shipments stranded at the harbour, causing significant financial losses to industry operators.
The meeting focused on operational challenges at the port that had delayed the discharge of clinker — a key raw material in cement production—for up to three weeks.
These, according to the manufacturers, have resulted in substantial demurrage charges, fees incurred when cargo exceeds its allocated port stay.
The additional costs are placing a heavy financial burden on cement manufacturers and disrupting industry operations.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including representatives of the Cement Manufacturers Association, officials of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Ghana Association of Port Users and staff from the Trade and Transport ministries.
The Trade, Industry and Agribusiness delegation was led by the Minister, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, while the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, led the team from his ministry.
Also in attendance were Deputy Trade Minister Sampson Ahi, President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Kofi Nsiah-Poku, CEO of the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana, Bishop George Johnson Amoah and Chief Financial Officer of CBI Ghana Ltd, Justinica Zah.
Larger Vessels
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Nikpe assured stakeholders that the government was fast-tracking dredging works to expand berth capacity and accommodate larger vessels. He explained that the existing berths were inadequate for bigger ships, leading to longer turnaround times and congestion.
Once the dredging is completed—expected by the end of June—the port will be able to handle vessels exceeding 20,000 tonnes in capacity, up from the current 8,000-tonne limit.
This expansion, he noted, would significantly reduce vessel traffic and waiting times.
The Transport Minister further disclosed that portions of the dredging works, particularly around Berth 14, are expected to be completed within the next one to two weeks, providing partial relief ahead of the full completion deadline in June.
“The current berths are inadequate for bigger vessels, resulting in longer turnaround times and congestion.
Once the dredging is completed by the end of June, the port will be able to handle vessels of over 20,000 tonnes, compared to the current 8,000-tonne capacity, significantly reducing vessel traffic and waiting times,” he assured.
Government interest
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare emphasised that the government’s interest extended beyond preventing price increases, stressing that the Ministry was equally committed to addressing operational bottlenecks affecting industry players.
She said inefficiencies at the port directly increased production costs, which ultimately impacted cement prices on the market.
“If we want stable and competitive prices, we must also play our part to ensure that production costs remain efficient,” she stated.
Port congestion
The CEO of the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana, Bishop George Johnson Amoah, highlighted the severe financial impact of port congestion on cement manufacturers across the country.
He said delays in discharging cement raw materials at the ports were leading to significant demurrage charges — fees paid when cargo overstays at the port beyond the allocated time.
Bishop Amoah revealed that ongoing dredging works at the port were expected to be completed by June, which should significantly ease vessel traffic and improve turnaround times. Additionally, he expressed optimism about a temporary solution expected within the next two weeks to help mitigate the immediate impact.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh