Ghana’s Ministry of Trade Cracks Down on Unlicensed Cement Imports: No Permits Issued Under New Minister
The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has issued a stern public advisory warning against the unlicensed importation of Portland cement, emphasizing that no such permits have been granted since Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare assumed office in early 2025.
The statement, dated October 21, underscores a zero-tolerance policy for illegal imports, threatening seizures, prosecutions, and collaboration with key agencies to safeguard local industry and consumer safety.
“The importation of Portland cement without a valid license is illegal and will result in strict enforcement actions,” the Ministry declared, highlighting the breach of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) regulations and the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891). This crackdown aims to protect domestic manufacturers like Ghacem and Cimaf, who dominate 70% of the market amid rising demand from infrastructure projects, while curbing substandard imports that have flooded ports in recent years, often laced with contaminants leading to structural failures.
Since Ofosu-Adjare’s appointment in January 2025—following her tenure as Communications Minister under the prior administration—the Ministry has withheld all Portland cement import licenses to bolster local production capacity, which surged 15% in Q3 2025 per GSA data. Unlicensed shipments, typically routed through Tema and Takoradi ports, evade duties and quality checks, costing the economy GH¢500 million annually in lost revenue and health risks from inferior materials.
The Ministry is partnering with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for customs intercepts and the GSA for laboratory testing, with joint task forces already seizing 2,500 metric tons of suspect cement in September raids. “We are committed to enforcing compliance to ensure a level playing field for our industries,” Ofosu-Adjare stated, urging importers to apply for permits via the Ghana Single Window system and report suspicious activities to GRA’s hotline (080010030) or the Ministry’s line (030-222-8601).
This initiative aligns with broader trade reforms under the Mahama government, including the 2025 Import Restrictions List that prioritizes 22 protected items, including cement, to foster self-reliance. Stakeholders, including the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), have welcomed the move but called for streamlined licensing to avoid supply shortages, as construction costs have dipped 8% since the curbs.
The advisory serves as a final call: legitimate businesses must comply, or risk severe penalties in Ghana’s drive toward a resilient manufacturing sector.
