The Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana (COCMAG) announced on Friday, August 28, 2026, a temporary GH¢12.00 per bag clinker demurrage surcharge. The move comes after an emergency meeting as vessel waiting times at Tema Port have surged from an average of seven days in January to between 30 and over 40 days in August.
COCMAG said the surcharge is split into GH¢10.00 before tax and GH¢2.00 in applicable taxes and levies. It is intended to offset extraordinary costs stemming from port congestion and extended waiting periods, not a permanent price hike.
Industry estimates place demurrage costs between US$45 million and US$50 million in the first eight months of 2026, with individual vessels incurring charges from US$800,000 to as high as US$1 million. Only three berths are currently available for clinker discharge, while Berths 10 and 11 remain inaccessible to cement importers.
Chairman Frederic Albrecht and CEO Bishop Dr. George Dawson‑Ahmoah warned that sustained congestion could stretch shipment cycles to nearly three months, threatening cement supply for Ghana’s construction sector. COCMAG is engaging the Government of Ghana and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority to reduce waiting times, improve berth capacity and restore access to Berths 10 and 11.
The surcharge will remain in effect until December 31, 2026, with a formal review scheduled for January 2027. COCMAG pledged to monitor the situation monthly and adjust or remove the surcharge once port congestion normalises.
