{
  "id": 6617854,
  "title": "Tema port congestion alone cannot justify cement price increment – GPHA",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/tema-port-congestion-alone-cannot-justify-cement-price-increment-gpha",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-10T17:51:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghana Business News",
    "slug": "ghana-business-news",
    "url": "https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2026/09/10/tema-port-congestion-alone-cannot-justify-cement-price-increment-gpha/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has clarified that congestion at the Tema port alone cannot explain recent increases in cement prices. While the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana (COCMAG) attributed the price rise to the port's congestion, GPHA insists that several operational and commercial factors influence the cost of transporting clinker and cement into the country. The GPHA's statement emphasizes its duty to serve all port users and maintain safe, sanitary operations. One consideration impacting berth allocation is the separation of food-related cargo, like rice and wheat, from cement and clinker operations. The GPHA has also invested in dredging to accommodate larger vessels and take advantage of economies of scale. Terminals 1 and 2, designated as multipurpose facilities, handle various cargoes, including food products and steel, requiring strict separation from cement and clinker. Additionally, Berths 3, 12, 13, and 14 are shared among several cement companies, preventing exclusive use by a single importer. The GPHA encourages cement manufacturers to assess the most efficient port and vessel combination, as well as discharge arrangements and inland transportation, to improve operational logistics. To reduce berth occupancy and improve the overall port operation, GPHA highlighted the importance of efficient cargo movement from the port. The GPHA is also modernizing the handling of cement and clinkers at the Tema Port, aiming to replace traditional reliance on grabs and hoppers with more efficient cargo-handling systems. The authority urges cement companies to adopt the new technology to enhance discharge rates, reduce vessel turnaround times, optimise berth utilisation and contribute to a more efficient and competitive port operation. The GPHA maintains that port efficiency is a shared responsibility, and stakeholders must consider various logistics aspects, such as vessel planning, discharge efficiency, trucking, factory location, port choice, and commercial cost factors, rather than solely attributing cement price increases to port congestion.",
  "summary": "The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has stressed that congestion at the Tema port alone cannot justify recent increases in cement prices, saying several operational and commercial factors influence the cost of bringing clinker and cement into the country. The post Tema port congestion alone cannot justify cement price increment – GPHA appeared first on Ghana Business News .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}