Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, has called on local cement manufacturers to revisit their pricing strategies in light of the recent strengthening of the Ghanaian cedi.

This appeal was made during a meeting with the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana (COCMAG), which aimed to address growing concerns among consumers about the persistently high cost of cement despite improvements in the country's macroeconomic landscape.

The discussions focused on key issues such as pricing mechanisms, product standardization, and regulatory compliance within the sector.

Minister Ofosu-Adjare emphasized the importance of ensuring that consumers benefit from the recent gains in the value of the cedi against major trading currencies.

She stressed that the positive economic trends should translate into tangible benefits for Ghanaians, particularly in the form of more affordable construction materials like cement.

To enforce compliance with national product standards, the Minister announced that the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) will step up its quarterly inspections starting in August.

Manufacturers who fail to meet the required standards will face strict penalties, including possible shutdowns.

The meeting, attended by major cement producers such as Ghacem, CIMAF, CBI, Dangote, Dzata, Empire, and Diamond Cement, was well-received by the industry players.

They acknowledged the recent stability in exchange rates as a positive development and indicated a willingness to consider reducing cement prices if the current economic trends persist.

The manufacturers also reaffirmed their commitment to adhering to product standardization measures, which would promote quality and fair competition within the industry.

By working together with the government, the cement manufacturers aim to create a more competitive and consumer-friendly market.

Sompaonline.Nana Agyemang Opambour