On 28th August, 2026, the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana held an emergency meeting and agreed on a uniform GH¢12 surcharge for every bag of cement sold in the country.
Public policy think tank CUTS International, Accra, responded with a direct antitrust warning, stating that competing manufacturers agreeing on a fixed surcharge bears the classic hallmarks of cartel conduct.
The think tank did not dispute that cement makers face heavy financial pressure due to congestion at Tema Port.
Data from the chamber shows that vessel waiting times at the port grew from an average of seven days in January to between 30 and over 40 days by August 2026.
Those shipping delays created industry-wide demurrage costs estimated at US$45 million to US$5
According to Joy Online.
