The Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers Ghana (COCMAG), Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, has voiced concerns regarding the Trade Minister’s efforts to control cement prices.
Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah contends that discussion, not law, is the solution to the nation’s cement pricing problem.
His comments come after K.T. Hammond told reporters recently that the government is committed to making sure Ghanaians don’t get shortchanged while buying cement.
As a result, K.T. Hammond has presented the parliament with a suggested legal instrument to control the nation’s cement prices.
In an interview with Eyewitness News monitored by Puretvonline.com, Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah underlined that the manufacture of cement is a highly scientific subject and should not be politicised, as the Trade Minister is currently doing.
“Cement production is not political; it is a highly technical process. He said, “There are a lot of things that genuinely go into that job, and understanding them requires conversation and involvement.
He outlined the difficulties facing the sector, including its excessive reliance on imported raw materials and its unstable currency, both of which have pushed up cement costs recently.
He claims that rather than a legislative provision, this will call for a thorough engagement.
The manufacturing and production of the cement product that is available on the market is dependent on the importation or grinding of raw materials. We import some of those raw materials, such as clinker, which is unavailable in Ghana.
Everyone can agree that cement prices have been rising for the past three and a half months, and the honourable minister is aware of the reason why. This is in the context of cement production, which is dependent on the importation of raw materials.
Thus, in an instance such as this, the foreign exchange rate’s volatility is vital. Everything is affected, including freight costs, prices, and port charges, he said.
