Cement price hike looms as COCMAG introduces temporary GH¢12 surcharge

The Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana (COCMAG) has implemented a temporary GH¢12 surcharge per bag of clinker at the Tema Port due to congestion and rising operational costs. This decision was made at an emergency meeting on August 28, 2026, after average vessel waiting times surged from seven days to between 30 and 40 days in August 2026.

The surcharge, consisting of GH¢10 before tax and GH¢2 in taxes and levies, aims to offset the extraordinary demurrage costs caused by prolonged port delays. COCMAG estimates the industry-wide demurrage costs during the first eight months of the year to be between US$45 million and US$50 million. Individual vessels have incurred charges ranging from US$800,000 to US$1 million, causing financial strain for manufacturers and threatening the stability of clinker supplies.

The surcharge, set to remain until December 31, 2026, is not a general price increase but a temporary measure to address the exceptional circumstances. COCMAG, led by Chairman Frederic Albrecht and CEO Bishop Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, is collaborating with the Government of Ghana and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to resolve the port congestion.

Proposed solutions include reducing vessel waiting times, increasing berth capacity, and restoring access to Berths 10 and 11 for clinker vessels. COCMAG hopes to see congestion return to normal levels, allowing the industry to eliminate the surcharge.