Retailers in Ghana are reporting a noticeable drop in sales as the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers introduced a GH¢12 surcharge per bag, raising prices across major cement brands. The move, aimed at offsetting clinker demurrage costs from congestion at Tema Port, has already begun to affect purchasing decisions, particularly for budget‑constrained customers.
“Prices of cement increased last week by GH¢12 and it’s very bad. Customers are complaining because at first, when the cement was increased, it wasn’t up to GH¢12. It was maybe GH¢3 or GH¢4,” said Vida Okyere, owner of a local cement outlet. She explained that customers who had budgeted for a specific number of bags are now being forced to reduce or postpone their orders. “For instance, if the customers have a budget to buy 10 bags of cement, due to the increment, they will be compelled to lower their target or not make the purchase at all,” she added.
Eric Boamah, another retailer, noted a sharp decline in sales since the price hike. “Now sales have dropped. Normally, you know, when the price of cement goes up, sales drop drastically,” he said. He questioned why prices remain high despite the recent decline in the US dollar, which should theoretically ease import‑related costs. “It has been increased but I know the dollar is down but I don’t know why. Maybe it’s the price of the clinker or maybe something like that, I don’t know,” he remarked.
Retailer Kwaku Antwi warned that sustained price increases could hurt both consumers and businesses throughout the construction supply chain. “Nation‑building is a shared responsibility. However, I believe the government should intervene in the recent increase in cement prices,” he said. “If prices had remained stable, it would have encouraged more purchases. The increase could drive customers away, leading to lower sales and ultimately affecting our businesses.”
The surcharge, intended to recover demurrage expenses incurred by manufacturers, is now being passed down the supply chain. Contractors and developers may need to revise budgets for ongoing projects, while weaker demand at the retail level could squeeze margins if customers buy fewer bags or delay construction.
Stakeholders are calling for government intervention to mitigate the broader economic impact of port congestion and the resulting price hike. The immediate effect is clear: higher cement prices are already dampening sales and threatening the stability of the construction sector.
