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

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

The GPHA emphasized its commitment to serving all port users and maintaining a safe environment, particularly separating food-related cargo like rice and wheat from cement and clinker operations. The authority explained that in preparation for larger vessels and greater cargo volumes, it carried out strategic dredging in the bulk cargo section of the port, including clinker and cement operations.

This dredging project gave Berth 13 a depth of up to 14 meters and Berth 14 up to 12 meters, allowing for larger vessels and economies of scale. Terminals 1 and 2, multipurpose terminals at Tema, handle diverse cargo including food, steel, and general goods. However, cement and clinker operations cannot be mixed with food-related cargo due to hygiene, safety, and environmental considerations.

The GPHA designated berths 3, 12, 13, and 14 as common-user berths for such cargo, shared among multiple cement companies, thus not exclusive to any single importer. The authority also highlighted that cement and clinker operations at Tema Port have an alternative option at Port Takoradi. Cement manufacturers are advised to consider the most efficient port, vessel size, discharge arrangements, and inland transportation when planning their operations.

The GPHA further announced that it is modernizing cement handling at Tema Port, moving away from traditional reliance on grabs and hoppers to more efficient cargo-handling systems. Adoption of these new systems will improve discharge rates, shorten vessel turnaround times, optimize berth usage, and contribute to a more efficient and competitive port operation.

The authority stressed that port efficiency is a shared responsibility, requiring proper vessel planning, adequate trucking capacity, efficient discharge, the adoption of modern handling technology, and timely cargo evacuation. It encouraged stakeholders and the public to consider the entire logistics supply chain, not just port congestion, when analyzing cement price increases.