The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) is set to take decisive action against cement manufacturing firms producing substandard products, aiming to safeguard consumers under the Ghana Standards Authority Act 2022.
Currently, Ghana hosts only 14 licensed cement factories, but concerns over quality have prompted the GSA to intensify its scrutiny.
Director General Prof. Alex Dodoo highlighted that some manufacturers have resorted to using inferior materials to cut costs, a practice deemed unacceptable by the authority.
“Our research indicates that certain manufacturers are compromising on cement quality to gain a competitive edge,” Prof. Dodoo emphasized in an interview with JoyNews.
“We have already shut down three such operations, and more closures are imminent. Quality is non-negotiable for us.”
Prof. Dodoo, who also chairs the Cement Manufacturing Development Committee tasked with regulating pricing frameworks, underscored the need for transparency in the industry.
He explained that proposed legislation aims to ensure openness in cement pricing, addressing key cost components like clinker, energy, and exchange rates.
“All stakeholders agree on the importance of transparency,” Prof. Dodoo stated. “Our goal is to promote fairness in pricing, and cement manufacturers have signaled their readiness to engage constructively on necessary tax reviews.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Dawson Amoah, CEO of the Cement Manufacturers Association, expressed readiness for dialogue on pricing regulations. He acknowledged the impact of price increases on consumers and urged for collaborative efforts to stabilize cement prices.
“As manufacturers, we understand the consumer’s perspective and the challenges of price adjustments,” Dr. Amoah remarked. “We advocate for dialogue over immediate regulatory actions, aiming to achieve price stability through mutual understanding.”