Government to Cut Demurrage Costs for Cement Manufacturers
The Government is taking steps to reduce the demurrage costs incurred by cement manufacturers as a result of delays in the berthing and discharge of clinker vessels at Tema Port.
The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, said the intervention formed part of efforts to address operational challenges affecting manufacturers and improve the ease of doing business in Ghana.
She gave the assurance when she joined the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, on an inspection tour of the Tema Port on Friday to assess challenges associated with the berthing of vessels carrying clinker to the port.
The delays in berthing and offloading the clinker have resulted in congestion and additional costs for cement manufacturers, particularly through demurrage charges.
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said government recognised the importance of cement manufacturers to Ghana’s industrial development and would continue to engage industry players to identify practical solutions to challenges affecting their operations.
She disclosed that the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), through the Ministry of Transport, had agreed to dredge an additional berth at the Tema Port to enable larger vessels to berth and discharge clinker more efficiently.
According to her, the intervention would reduce delays in the discharge of clinker, improve efficiency at the port and ultimately help lower the cost of doing business for cement manufacturers.
“We will continue to collaborate with industry to find lasting solutions to challenges affecting productivity and competitiveness,” she said.
The Minister urged cement manufacturers to reciprocate the government’s efforts by ensuring that cement prices were not increased arbitrarily. She added that maintaining affordable cement prices was important to protecting consumers while supporting economic activity and growth.
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare reiterated that the government remained committed to creating a conducive business environment in which businesses could operate efficiently, expand their operations and contribute to national economic development.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
