CUTS questions Ghana cement makers’ uniform GH¢12 surcharge

CUTS International, Accra, has questioned the competition implications of Ghana’s cement manufacturers agreeing on a uniform GH¢12-per-bag clinker demurrage surcharge.

The public policy think tank said it recognized the cost pressures facing manufacturers because of congestion at Tema Port. Vessel waiting times reportedly rose from an average of seven days in January 2026 to between 30 and more than 40 days in August. The industry estimated demurrage costs at US$45 million to US$50 million for the first eight months of the year.

CUTS said companies had the right to recover legitimate costs and maintain financially sustainable operations. Its concern, however, was that competing firms had collectively determined the amount consumers should pay. “Legitimate cost recovery should not become a basis for price coordination,” said Appiah Kusi Adomako, director of CUTS International’s West Africa Regional Centre.

“

Legitimate cost recovery should not become a basis for price coordination

The Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana, said the surcharge consisted of GH¢10 before tax and GH¢2 in taxes and levies. It was agreed at an emergency meeting on Aug. 28 and is due to remain until Dec. 31, subject to monthly monitoring and a review in January 2027.

CUTS said calling the measure a demurrage surcharge rather than a price increase did not remove the competition concern. Manufacturers have different shipping contracts, clinker volumes, vessel arrangements, inventories, operating efficiencies and exposure to demurrage. One company might need GH¢12 to recover its costs, another GH¢8, while a more efficient producer might absorb part of the increase to retain customers or gain market share.

“

The question we should ask is why manufacturers with different cost structures and different exposure to demurrage should all arrive at exactly GH¢12