GH₵12 addition to cement price: GPHA clarifies attribution to port congestion

The Ghana Ports & Harbours Authority (GPHA) has clarified that port congestion is not the sole cause of a GH₵12 increase in cement prices, with several operational and commercial factors influencing the cost of transporting clinker and cement through the Port of Tema. In a statement released on September 10, 2026, the GPHA acknowledged a press release from the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana (COCMAG), which attributed the recent rise in cement prices to congestion at the Port of Tema.

According to the GPHA, the port authority is committed to serving all users of the Port of Tema and ensuring safe and hygienic port operations. It highlighted the importance of separating food-related cargo, such as rice and wheat, from cement and clinker operations. The GPHA explained that in anticipation of larger vessels, increased cargo volumes, and draft heights, it undertook strategic dredging in the section of the port dedicated to bulk cargo operations, including clinker and cement.

The cement companies were informed in advance about the dredging project, its duration, and the need to plan their vessel arrivals and berthing schedules accordingly. The GPHA noted that the recent dredging works have increased the depth of Berth 13 to 14 meters and Berth 14 to 12 meters, providing larger vessels the opportunity to benefit from economies of scale, potentially reducing logistics costs.

The GPHA further clarified that Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of the Port of Tema handle various cargoes, including food products, steel, and general cargo. To maintain hygiene, safety, and environmental standards, cement and clinker operations cannot be mixed with food-related cargo. Berths 3, 12, 13, and 14 have been designated as common-user berths for such cargo and are shared among several cement companies, thus cannot be exclusively allocated to one importer.

The GPHA emphasized that the efficiency of cargo evacuation is crucial, as a vessel carrying around 40,000 tonnes of clinker may rely on a limited number of trucks for transportation to factories outside the port. Delays due to inadequate or delayed trucks can slow discharge operations, leading to prolonged berth occupancy and affecting the availability of berths for other vessels.

Modernizing cement handling systems is another priority for the GPHA. The authority is transitioning away from traditional reliance on grabs and hoppers towards more efficient and modern cargo-handling systems. The GPHA encourages cement companies to adopt and invest in these new technologies, as they can improve discharge rates, reduce vessel turnaround times, optimize berth utilisation, and contribute to a more efficient and competitive port operation.