GHANA: Cement manufacturers cry foul

The Cement Manufacturers Association of Ghana (CMAG) has called on government to eliminate any unfair trade regime which favours cement imports.

Dr George Ahmoah-Dawson, CMAG Chairman, claimed the 10 per cent tax subsidy to DANGOTE cement imports from Nigeria, contrary to the stipulated 20 per cent tax, should be addressed to keep local manufacturers afloat.

He said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency following the recent visit of Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Minister of Trade and Industry to the Diamond Cement Factory at Aflao, during which he promised to carry the concerns of cement manufacturers to government.

Dr Ahmoah-Dawson said Ghana’s annual cement requirement of approximately 5.5 million tonnes is within the production capacity of 7.6 million tonnes by local companies- 3.2 million tonnes by Diamond Cement and 4.4 million tonnes by GHACEM.

“CMAG is not against our country’s law on free trade and on cement imports, we are only against the unfair practices which tilts the game in favour of DANGOTE and the Chinese imports”, he said.

Dr Ahmoah-Dawson appealed to government to fast-track the Ghana International Trade Commission Bill to address the unfair trade environment.

Mr Tati Rama Rao, General Manager, Diamond Cement, told the GNA at Aflao that the problem has resulted in the company cutting production by 30 per cent by closing the plant three times a week.

He said Ghana may lose revenue due to the 10 per cent tax exempt being enjoyed by DANGOTE since 2010.

Mr Rao said while Ghana was allowing DANGOTE imports under the ECOWAS trade protocol, Nigeria on its part was restricting imports of the product from other countries including ECOWAS states.

He claimed DANGOTE enjoys a 30 per cent subsidy under Nigeria’s Export Expansion Grant Scheme (EEG) for cement exports from that country, while also benefiting from the ECOWAS’ zero per cent tax through Aflao.

Mr Rao said this makes it unfair to the local manufacturers as the importers have the leeway to play “market theatrics” as in the case of DANGOTE, which directly delivers to customers with its own bulk tankers.

Mr Abdul Razak, spokesperson Haulage Tank Drivers and Owners, pointed to the empty parking-lot, which was full of trucks awaiting loading and expressed worry at the turn of events.

GHANA:Cement manufacturers commend GRA on new tax

The Ghana Cement Manufacturers Association (GCMA) has commended the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for instituting a freight on board (FOB) charge of US$60 per tonne on imported cement.

Cement importers used to pay US$26 per tonne, a rate which the GCMA said allowed cement importers to sell their cement at a cheaper price, to the detriment of local manufacturers of the product.

In a comment on the new FOB charge, the Chairman of the GCMA, Rev. Dr George Dawson-Ahmoah, who is also the Strategy and Corporate Affairs Director of Ghacem

Limited, said the association was grateful that the GRA had thoroughly investigated its concerns over the under-declaration of costs by bagged cement importers.

“We commend the GRA for playing a vital role in this adjustment and urge its sustenance in order to maximise revenue, as well as protect the local cement industry,” he said.

Rev. Dr Dawson-Ahmoah, who is also the Chairman of the Tema Branch of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), stated that the GCMA still maintained that the continued importation of bagged cement into the country was not necessary, stressing that with a current surplus capacity of over two million tonnes per annum, local manufacturing companies had the installed capacity to meet the local demand for cement.

He expressed concern that the country was gradually becoming an import centre.

“It is, therefore, imperative that policy makers heed the proposals by stakeholders, including the Ministry of Trade and Industry and AGI, regarding safeguard policies to protect the local industry to be able to perform its function as the engine of growth.” he said.

The GCMA had, since 2015, petitioned the Ministry of Trade and Industry and other agencies regarding what it described as unfair trade practices in the cement industry, particularly bagged cement imports from China.

Members of the association include Ghacem, Diamond Cement in Aflao, Savanna Diamond Cement in the north and Western Diamond Cement in Takoradi.

GHANA: Importation of cement killing local companies

The Ghana Cement Manufacturing Association (GCMA) has expressed dissatisfaction with the manner the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is handling their recent petition on the under-declared value of the cost of freight (C&F) of imported bagged cement.

Speaking with the media, the chairman of the GCMA, Dr George Dawson-Ahmoah, said cost and freight values (C&F) of $25 per tonne to $30 per tonne were still being charged at the ports on imported bagged cement particularly from China.

He said the association was of the view that any value less than $80 per tonne to cover C&F of imported bagged cement had the tendency to undermine the cost build up of

locally produced cement, making the imported bagged cement far cheaper than locally produced ones.

This, he said made it difficult for the local producers to compete with importers.

Customs unresponsive

Dr Dawson-Ahmoah disclosed that despite several meetings held with the Deputy Commissioner, Operations and the Assistant Commissioner, Intelligence of the Customs Division, it did not appear that the Division would implement the $80 per tonne on C&F.

He said two major companies were still importing into the country with CF value less than $40 per tonne.

“Looking at the cost of bagged cement overseas, together with freight, the importers are doing so much damage to the local manufacturers and this is unacceptable. Customs must come out publicly to declare and resolve this canker to prevent local industries from collapse,” he said.

Dr Dawson-Ahmoah reiterated that the continuous importation of bagged cement was not necessary, stressing that with a current surplus capacity of over two million tonnes per annum, local manufacturing companies had the installed capacity to meet the local demand for cement.

GHANA: Cedi’s depreciation pushes cement prices up

Citi Business News can confirm all three local cement producers in Ghana have increased the prices of their products on the market.

According to the sales and marketing manager of Dangote Cement Joseph Abu , “a bag of Dangote Cement effective today will be sold at 29 cedis 30 pesewas, representing a 9.6% increase in price”.A 50 kilogram bag of Dangote Cement for example has been increased by 2 cedis, 6 pesewas effective today June 22nd, 2015.

The same bag was earlier being sold at 26 cedis, 70 pesewas.

According to Joseph Abu, the increase has been necessitated by the rate at which the cedi is depreciating against the dollar.

Ghacem limited increased their ex-factory price effective June 13,2015 while Diamond cement increased their prices effective June 17, 2015.

Ghacem Limited has also sanctioned a 2 cedis 80 pesewas increase in the price of a 50kilogram bag of their product.

According to a price list on the company’s website, the ex factory price of their product is 29 cedis, 37.5 pesewas.

The same product was earlier being sold at 26cedis, 55.5pesewas.

Ghacem Limited also cited the current cedi depreciation as reason for their latest move.

Another local cement company is Diamond Cement; they have also increased their prices by 2 cedis 82 pesewas.

The head of the commercial department at Diamond Cement Ghana Limited said,”the ex-factory price of a 50 kilogram bag of Diamond cement is now 28cedis 43.5pesewas’.

All three cement producers sometime last year increased the prices of their products because of the consistent slide of the cedi against major foreign currency.

But later in the second half of 2014, the companies reduced the prices of their products by different margins because the cedi gradually was appreciating against the dollar and other major trading currencies.

GHANA: Cement Producers Form Association

Local cement manufacturing companies have formed a new association to protect and accelerate the development of the industry in Ghana.

The Ghana Cement Manufacturers Association (GCMA) will also promote the interest of its members through collaboration.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) dated May 12, this year, named the founding companies as GHACEM Limited, Diamond Cement Ghana Limited and Savannah Diamond Company Limited.

Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, Strategy & Corporate Affairs Director of GHACEM, was named chairman of an interim executive body comprising two representatives from GHACEM and one each from Diamond and Savannah cement companies.

They are N. Venkatesh, Finance Director of Diamond Cement (Vice Chair/Secretary), Dominik Michel, Finance Director of GHACEM (member) and B. V. K. Raju, General Manager of Savannah Diamond (member).

The association, the MoU revealed, “is not a cartel, but an umbrella body for cement manufacturers in the country.

“By cement manufacturer, we mean any company who owns and operates at least a cement grinding facility in Ghana,” it said.

As such, it will liaise with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) to “promote, lobby, advocate and support matters affecting the cement manufacturing industry in the country.”

Patrons of the association include Morten Gade, Managing Director of GHACEM and Manubhai J. Patel, Chairman of Diamond Cement Group.

GHANA: TAB investigates influx of imported cement

Government has directed the Tariffs Advisory Board (TAB) to investigate the influx of imported bagged cement on the country’s market.

Government gave the directive after the Local Cement Producers (LCP) petitioned the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Ekwow Spio Gabrah to address the problem which is negatively affecting their business.

Dr. George Dawson-Amoah, Coordinator of the LCP, in a statement, commended government for giving the directive to the Tariff Advisory Board to carry out investigations.

He said the influx of imported bagged cement in the country was affecting the sales of local cement producers in the country.

Dr. Dawson-Amoah, who is also the Strategy and Corporate Affairs Director of GHACEM, said the imposition of a ban on the importation of bagged cement will help the local cement industry to create more jobs and make financial contribution to the state.

He said LCP has the installed production capacity to meet the increasing demand of cement in the country.

Dr. Dawson-Amoah attributed the collapse of most local industries in the country to unfair trade practices, citing the steel, textile and aluminum industry as some of the sectors which have been affected badly.

He pledged to coordinate with the members which include Diamond Cement, Savannah Cement, Western Diamond Cement to effectively address the numerous problems.

GHANA: Ban importation of cement, govt told

Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, Strategy and Corporate Affairs Director, has called on government to immediately ban the importation of cement into the country.

He said the importation of bagged cement was crippling the cement industry in Ghana.

Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah made the appeal when the Minister of Trade and Industry, Ekwow Spio-Garbrah paid a working visit to Takoradi factory of GHACEM.

He said, “It is worthy to note that with a current surplus capacity of over two million tons per annum, local manufacturing companies have the installed capacity to meet the local demand for cement.

“There is no basis for the continued importation of bagged cement into the country.”

Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah also bemoaned unfair trade practices in the country’s cement industry and the unreliable power supply and charged the Minister to take action to address the problems.

He commended the Minister for taking keen interest in the Western Region as an industrial hub to move the economy forward.

Mr Spio-Garbrah, in his remark, noted that Western Region has many resources available and industrial free zones, adding that the time has come for entrepreneurs to take advantage of the situation.

He commended GHACEM for continuously expanding its operation in the wake of numerous challenges.

“GHACEM’s compliance with tax laws, Corporate Social Responsibility and the use of local limestone for cement production is an example of a good corporate citizen and needs to be emulated by corporate entities for the growth of the industry,” Mr Spio-Garbrah said.

He gave the assurance that government would continue to support local industries to develop the country’s economy.

GHANA: Deadline for cement retailers to reduce prices

Cement manufacturer, Dangote, says it expects all retailers of their products across the country to reduce the prices by 2cedis 70 pesewas by Friday October 24.

This comes after concerns that despite the announced reduction of prices of cement by all three cement producers in the country, retailers have failed to comply.

Dangote reduced the prices of their product on October 9, a day after Diamond Cement and GHACEM reduced the price of their products by 2 cedis each.

The gradual appreciation of the Cedi against the dollar and other major international trading currencies for some time now, has contributed to the downwards review of prices.

Speaking to Citi Business News, the Sales and marketing manager of Dangote Cement Joeseph Kobina Abu said “so most of the stock you find in the market now were bought at the old price which was the high price relative to the low price…in this case I will not expect the reduction to happen in two days or three days but rather a week.”

According to cement retailers, any immediate reduction will lead to losses since they still have old stock before the announced reduction.

Confirming the challenge to Citi Business News, Joeseph Kobina Abu stated that, “all the cement companies have reduced their prices, but you know, in the cement business, the customers are made to pay in advance before they are supplied.”

Meanwhile another cement company Diamond Cement is expressing concerns about the growing importation of cheap, sub-standard Chinese cement onto the Ghanaian market.

According to the assistant Commercial Manager of Diamond Cement Philemon Baiden , the situation has led to a drop of 30% in sales.

“Government has allowed a lot of Chinese importation, which is more cheaper than what we are producing here … definitely Ghanaians will go in for them , they don’t even look at the quality ,” Philemon Baiden stressed.

GHANA: We slashed cement price to fulfill promise to Ghanaians

Strategy and Corporate Affairs Director of Ghacem, Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, has explained that the company reduced cement prices in fulfillment of its pledge to act positively when the cedi gains strength against major international currencies.

He explained that Ghacem fulfilled the pledge to Ghanaians because the cement producer was a good corporate citizen

Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah noted the recent appreciation of the cedi has resulted in a marginal reduction of the company’s production cost.

Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah announced the company’s ex-factory price of cement has been reduced from Gh¢30.55 to Gh¢27.965, stressing the company will not hesitate to further reduce the price should the cedis' appreciation hold.

He commended government for working to salvage the free fall of the cedi and urged managers of the economy to do more to safeguard the welfare of Ghanaians.

Ghacem he said imports about 80 percent of its raw materials for production of cement hence the recent depreciation of the Cedi really affected production cost and the company had no option than to increase prices.

Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah, who doubles as the Chairman of the made in Ghana Campaign of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) stressed that Ghacem will continuously patronize the use of local limestone for the production of cement and will continuously search for the availability of local limestone concession in order to add value to local production.

GHANA: Cement prices will go down

The Managing Director (MD) of the Ghana Cement Company Limited (GHACEM), Morten Gade say prices of cement will go down should the cedi continue to stabilize.

Prices of cement increased drastically during the second quarter of 2014 due to erratic power supply and depreciation of the cedi against major foreign currencies.

This situation resulted in shortages and subsequent increment in prices of cement.

But it seems the cedi has for the past few weeks appreciated against some major trading currencies thus sparking calls from consumers for a decrease in prices of general goods.

Speaking to Citi News, the MD of the largest cement producer in Ghana, Ghacem, Morten Gade said “It’s a little bit early days to tell exactly how and when but definitely if we see a stable cedi we will also see cement prices coming down this year.”

He argued that lack of constant power supply can cause cement shortage because it will hamper its production.

“If I recall so far the power has been stable; however the biggest issue for us when it comes to power is not the tariff but the reliability. We have lost significant volumes particularly in Takoradi this year because we do not have a stable power and with an unstable power supply it means that we cannot produce when we don’t have power,” he added.

GHANA: Cement Shortage Government Moves To Stop

Shortage of cement in Ghana will soon be a thing of the past as government embarks on a terminal expansion project at the Tema Harbour to enable the port receive bulk clinker for cement producing companies.

The project, which is being done by Amandi Constructions will cover an area space of four hundred by fifty meters, allowing the Tema Harbour to take four additional cargo vessels at a time.The $122miilion project, which will be completed in the last quarter of 2015 is expected to create room for raw materials needed by GHACEM to facilitate cement production.

This is expected to create enough space for cargo ships carrying clinker to berth at the port for easy discharge.

Presently, the Tema Harbour has a limited space for receiving clinker, a situation the Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority (GPHA), Mr. Richard Anamoo, describes as a major contributor to the shortage of the product in the market.

Mr. Anamoo made these remarks on the sidelines of an inspection tour by the Minister for Transport, Mrs. Dzifa Attivor and her deputy Mrs. Joyce Bawa Mogtari.

He noted that the expansion works will further allow other major cement companies such as Dangote to import enough cement into the country, cutting down on the demand.

“The situation has been so because raw materials used in the production of cement are mostly harmful to other imported items and so require absolute isolation and time to clear”, he explained.

According to him, officials of the port take a longer time to clear the product after which thorough cleaning needs to be done.

Mr. Anamoo added that the completion will aid the country to generate more income since the Tema port is a major gateway for some West African landlocked countries.

He disclosed that the facility will be built in a way to enable further expansion in the future if need be.

On her part, Mrs. Attivor expressed government’s satisfaction at the level of progress.

She was optimistic that the project will be completed by November next year to enable GHACEM and other cement producing companies have reliable access to raw materials.

The Minister disclosed that the move has already alerted some major cement producers in the sub-region to commence operations in Ghana.

She maintained that the project will result in boosting the infrastructure development of the country, and ultimately create jobs for the youth.

In a reaction, the Chief Engineer of Amandi Constructions, Mr. David Ben Ayun assured of meeting the completion date for the project.

GHANA: Expert blames cement shortage partly on hoarding

Former President of the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA), Dr. Alex Tweneboah, has cited hoarding by dealers for the acute shortage of cement in Accra.

He said cement dealers are holding on to the product in anticipation of further price increases.

Estate developers have lamented the shortage of cement in Accra, a situation that has stalled building projects in the capital.

The shortage, which has persisted for about three weeks now, has also caused the price of cement to shoot up.

Fifty kilograms of cement sold at GH?28 a few weeks ago but now sells GH?35.

Dr Tweneboah said the causes of the current shortage and the hike in price are “a three-fold thing: it is the current economic crisis, it’s the devaluation of the cedi and to some extent...some people are hoarding the cement and anticipating further price increases – trying to capitalise on the prices”.

Dr Alex Tweneboah, however, said it is about time estate developers and Ghanaians as a whole looked at alternative methods of building as well as materials used for building.

“We cannot continue to keep relying on imported materials, and most of our cement is imported”, he said on Joy News Thursday.

He added that importation of clinker, which is an essential raw material in the production of cement, for instance, puts pressure on the cedi.

The cedi, which government has been struggling to prop up, has fallen nearly 23 percent against the dollar so far this year. As at July 16, 2014 GH?1 is equivalent to 0.03 dollars.

The biggest problem, according to Dr Tweneboah is that because of the cedi devaluation, the purchasing power of the average Ghanaian has been eroded, making it difficult for them to buy houses -- a blow to the estate industry.

“The only way we can get out of this crisis is by developing our own local industries, and promoting our local industries. For example we have developers who are importing doors. We have timber in this country. Why can’t we develop our industry for doors?” he asked.

Mr George Dawson Amoah, Strategic Corporate Affairs Director of Ghacem, one of the major cement producers, however said the shortage of the product in the capital is only temporal.

He said although Ghacem has been hit with power cuts, the company is still producing cement.

In an earlier interview with an Accra based radio station, Mr Dawson-Amoah attributed the shortage of the product to low production caused by a fault on the main transformer of Diamond Cement Company, another major cement producer, located at Aflao in the Volta region.

He noted that Diamond Cement Company controls about 35 percent share of the market and added that the Aflao-based company produces about 32 tonnes of cement a week.

GHANA: Work Begins On New Cement Plant

President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday cut the sod for the construction of a 60-million euro cement plant in Tema.

It will produce one million tonnes of cement in a year.

Located in the Free Zones enclave, the project is being executed by Cimaf Ciments de L'Afrique, a subsidiary of the Addoha Group of Morocco.

Construction work will take 18 months to complete.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Mahama expressed the hope that the completion of the project would help stabilise the price of the product on the market.

He touched on the current price hike in cement and said the situation had links with rumours of an impending shortage of the product.

He dispelled the rumors, saying the five cement plants in the country were operating and so there should be no panic buying.

The President said the investment by the Addoha Group was symbolic of the bond of friendship between Morocco and Ghana.

He stated that in spite of the economic challenges facing Ghana, the country remained the most successful investment destination in West Africa.

Recognising the boom in the construction industry, he said it was the result of the economic growth of the country which currently stood at seven per cent per annum.

He also touched on the housing deficit and said the coming of Addoha would help address the challenge.

The establishment of the cement plants — the first Moroccan industrial investment in Ghana — is the first phase of a long-term investment drive by the Moroccan group.

Addoha has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government for the construction of 10,000 social housing units over seven years, totaling about 250 million euros.

It will also construct schools, clinics, playing fields, places of worship, among other projects, in the long term.

The cement project will give direct and indirect jobs to 1,200 people.

Addoha, a leader in the social housing sector in Africa, has a turnover of one billion euros.

The project is part of the developer’s objective to partner the Ghana government to provide low-priced social housing for the people.

The Chairman of Cimaf, Mr Anas Sefrioui, said the King of Morocco believed in South-South cooperation, with Ghana remaining a partner in that respect.

He said the cement plant would be managed by Ghanaian expertise.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Haruna Iddrissu, accused manufacturers and retailers in the cement industry of colluding to hike the price of the product.

He said the government would soon come up with a " competition law" to help introduce sanity into the pricing of cement, among other items.

GHANA: Dangote Cement to increase production

The Vice Chairman of Dangote Cement Ghana, Tajudeen Sijuede, says the company has successfully completed its cement processing plant in Tema, which will in the next few months produce 1.5million metric tonnes of cement per annum.

The company is also setting up another 1.5million metric tonne cement production facility in the Western Regional capital Takoradi.

The two new projects will enable the company to produce 3million metric tonnes of quality cement per annum.

Mr. Sijuede said: “We are establishing another clinker-grinding plant at Takoradi with capacity of additional 1.5million metric tonnes, which will be in operation by second quarter of 2015. The combined capacity of Dangote Cement in Ghana will be 3million metric tonnes, the highest capacity being distributed outside Nigeria.”

He indicated that the increase in the company’s production capacity will bridge the supply deficit currently faced by the construction sector.

The total production of cement in the country stands at seven million metric tonnes per annum. Ghacem, the largest supplier of cement in the country, has a market share of 58 percent, while Diamond Cement comes second at 25 percent. Relatively new entrant Dangote Cement controls 8 percent of the market share.

He assured that the company will continue to produce quality cement to its customers, saying: “When it comes to quality, we want to assure the public that when we start production we are still going to maintain our quality”.

He said when the expansion work is completed in Takoradi it will create about 1,200 jobs, and Tema will also increase its employees from 500 to 1,000.

He said this will help the company achieve its target of capturing 30 percent of the market share in the next three years.

Asked why the company suspended importation of cement into the country, he said it is not because the company does not want to bring cement into the country but because of foreign exchange challenges.

“This is a very critical situation for all of us who are importing into the country. Nobody wants to go out of business; we are here to stay because we have invested a lot into the economy.

“I am sure that the government is aware of this and we have held series of meetings with the Trade and Industry Minister. I think they will do something about it, and once we have foreign exchange we will have abundance of cement in Ghana,” he added.

GHANA: GHACEM still producing, despite cement shortage

GHACEM Limited has responded to the debate over the scarcity of cement on the Ghanaian market and refuted speculations that the company has reduced production. The company described as wrong, the notion that it has contributed to the scarcity by producing below expectation.

On the contrary, the company insisted it currently produces an average of about 58,000 tonnes of cement a week, a feat it described as commendable. In an interview with the company’s Strategy and Corporate Affairs Director, Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, he said GHACEM was currently facing two challenges in attempts to arrest the shortage.

It identified the first as erratic power outages affecting production especially at the Takoradi factory of the company, and the second as “the current pressure on the market.” He observed that “for one reason or the other, other cement manufacturers and importers of cement cannot meet the demand in supply” due to the depreciation of the cedi."

This, he said, has caused importers to refuse selling their products, with the congestion at the port in Togo also hindering the operations of Diamond Cement, Aflao, which imported its raw materials from that country.

Dr. Dawson said the aforementioned challenges have “pushed pressure” onto GHACEM because an average of about 40,000 tonnes of cement expected from other local manufacturers and the importers are now missing in the market “Now the pressure is on us to meet this huge shortfall in production,” he noted, calling for immediate action to address country’s electricity challenges and the depreciation of the cedi.

Ghacem he reiterated has the capacity, technical expertise, raw material and the ability to meet the country’s increasing demand for quality cement hence Government should do its part especially improving power supply in the Takoradi Factory.

GHANA: Ghacem supports dev’t in schools, health institutions

About 300 health and educational Institutions in the southern part of Ghana have taken delivery of free cement bags from the Ghacem Cement Foundation (GCF) to aid their infrastructural development.

The donation, made last week in Accra, is the first of two distributions to be carried out by the Foundation this year.

The Western, Central, Greater Accra, Eastern and Volta Region were the areas which formed part of the southern sector of the country that benefited from the free cement under the Ghacem Cement Foundation as part of an annual benevolence from the country's leading cement manufacturer.

The Northern Sector, which consists of the Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions, will also receive their allocation of free cement bags by the last quarter of this year.

Present at the ceremony were top Council Members of the GCF including the its Chairman, Nana Prah Agyensaim VI; Mr. Morten Gade, Managing Director of Ghacem and member of the Foundation; Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, Secretary of the Foundation, who is also the Strategy and Corporate Affairs Director of Ghacem and Professor Audrey Gadzekpo (member of the Foundation).

Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah commended the delegation from Pantang Hospital in Accra, who was one of the beneficiaries for turning out in their numbers at the handing over ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, the Managing Director of Ghacem, Mr. Morten Gade expressed delight about the strides Ghacem has made in infrastructural development across the country through the annual cement donation.

“The United Nations Millennium Development Goals clearly states, halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and providing universal primary education by 2015 and considering how close it is and looking at the whooping gap in infrastructural development in these two areas in the country it behoves on all of us to work hard to achieve these objective", he said.

Mr Gade reaffirmed Ghacem's commitment to continue to support health and educational institutions in the country and urged the beneficiary institutions to do their part by using the donation judiciously.

Chairman of the GCF, Nana Prah Agyensaim VI, noted that since 2002, the GCF has donated a total of 360,000 bags of free cement to over 3,800 communities in the country. “This means that within the twelve-year period of the running of the foundation, the company has invested about 8.2 million Ghana cedis into this project and “I believe this is very commendable and corporate institutions need to emulate to facilitate development in the country", he said.

Some of the beneficiary schools and hospitals included: Shallon Preparatory School in Agona Amanful; Konono D/A JHS in Akosombo; Youth Leadership & Skills Training Institute- Afienya; Kpando Aziave R.C Primary in Kpando; Sacred Heart Preparatory School in Supomu Dunkwa; Kushea Anglican School in Assin Kushea; MA Experimental in Kibi; Royal Priesthood Academy In Amasaman; Andoga L.A. Primary School in Hohoe; Atwereboanda D/A Junior High School In Aboso; Frankeve Human Development Foundation in Agona Swedru and St. Nicholas Preparatory School in Akyem Manso.

GHANA: Experts predict reduction in cement prices

The price of cement could soon come down following negotiations between government and some cement manufacturers.

The price of cement on the local market had gone up steadily over the past few months largely due to incerase in the cost of production.

A bag of cement which was sold at 15 cedis in 2011, has seen a dramatic increase to almost 30 cedis, following the depreciation of the country’s currency.

Trade Minister, Haruna Iddrisu admitted that industry players were facing a tough time with the current economic conditions.

They had agreed to publish the retail prices from Accra to Wa, the minister said.

“We have also agreed to meet in the next 60 days, because for them the justification for the increase is the depreciation of the cedi and other increases in cost that is associated with the production of cement.

“But they yielded to my request to reduce the price of cement by a certain percentage. Dangote by 5 percent, and GHACEM, 3 percent by downward review; so we should see the price still being around 23 to 27 cedis and not 30, as we are seeing on the market.”

Mr Iddrisu also explained that government decided to intervene because of the impact on real estate and its attendant effect on persons in the chain of cement business.

GHANA: GIPC signs €60m agreement with CIMAF for cement production

The government of Ghana has signed an agreement with the Ciments de l’Afrique (CIMAF Ghana Ltd) to construct a 60 million euro cement factory in Ghana.

According to the terms of agreement signed on Monday, March 3, 2014, the factory would be located close to the Tema Metropolitan Area.

Mrs. Mawuena Trebarh who represented the Minister of Trade, Haruna Iddrisu signed on behalf of government with Mr. Saad Sefrioui, General Director of Ciments de l'Afrique (CIMAF GHANA LIMITED) signing on behalf of his organization.

“CIMAF Ghana Limited plans to build a cement plant in the Republic of Ghana with a capacity of one million (1,000,000) tons per annum,” a letter of intent between the two institutions stated.

The agreement follows a recent meeting when President John Dramani Mahama received a delegation from the Moroccan Real Estate Group Addoha, led by Director General of the group, Saad Sefrioui.

Mr Sefrioui described the meeting with President Mahama as very good, and explained to journalists that the President showed a keen interest in the project.

Ghana has about 1.7 million housing deficit. According to Mr Sefrioui, this is something that needed all the necessary attention to overcome.

“That is why Addoha, which has an enviable track record in Africa, is determined to play a key role in addressing the problem,” he said.

The two parties therefore agreed on Monday that CIMAF will complete the building of the cement plant within 18 months. The company was charged to take account of local content and also work in accordance with domestic laws and regulations particularly those related to the protection of the environment.

Government is also expected to facilitate the acquisition of ten (10) hectares of land as well as a lease of limestone quarry.

The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre has embarked on a number of strategic moves recently to boost investment in the country whiles protecting local content.

According to Mrs. Mawuena Trebarh, the overriding goal is to create jobs and sustain economic growth.

Last year, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows to the country declined marginally by 19.53 percent to $3.946.41 million compared to almost $4,904.41 million recorded in 2012.

The Addoha Group, with a turnover of one billion euros, had been operating in 17 major cities in Morocco until two years ago when it started penetrating Africa south of the Sahara.

It has now established its presence in seven countries outside Morocco.

Mr Sefrioui said the Addoha Group was determined to make a strong impact on the economy of Ghana.

In doing that, he said, it was targeting low and middle-income groups who were in need of housing most.

And in supporting such groups to own their own houses, he said, the group would be maintaining its leadership role in real estate in Africa.

He also said the group’s presence in the production of cement would be so enormous that it would put a stop to the shortages the country sometimes faced.

GHANA: GHACEM cement loading workers demonstrate

Workers of Western Brothers Loaders’ Company (WBLC) contracted by Ghana Cement (GHACEM) company to distribute cement products from the manufacturing site to wholesalers on Monday demonstrated against management over low salaries and bad working conditions.

The workers, numbering over 100, wore red bands, chanted war songs and converged in front of the company’s premises.

Many of the aggrieved workers who spoke to the Ghana News Agency in Takoradi expressed concern about delay in paying their monthly salaries which they claimed had brought economic hardships to their families.

The workers expressed their displeasure over the manner in which management had been handling their concerns which have had adverse effects on the workforce.

Some of the workers alleged that for long time, they had not been able to openly express their displeasure about poor remunerations because they feared losing their jobs.

Nana Kwame, a loading worker, alleged that since the time he started working for the company there had not been any increment in his salary of GH¢300.00 and neither had he received any annual bonus.

He said cement loaders, most of whom are casual workers, were therefore calling on the management to increase their monthly salary from GH¢300.00 to GH¢500.00.

He said due to the dusty nature of the road leading to the cement factory, most of the workers contracted respiratory infections and, therefore, appealed to the management to consider instituting measures to take care of their health needs.

Meanwhile, none of the management members was around to react to the allegations by the workers.

GHANA: Morocco to assist housing deficit

A reputable construction company Addoha group of the Kingdom of Morocco is set to partner the government of Ghana fulfill its manifesto promise of constructing ten thousand affordable housing units for the people of Ghana.

The chief executive officer (CEO) of Addoha Construction Company Mr. Anas Sefrioui and his entourage will be in Ghana on Thursday to discuss with president Mahama and other senior members of government including public and private partners, the implementation of the affordable housing scheme, in fulfillment of governments promise to provide shelter to disadvantaged Ghanaians.

Undiluted information from the grapevine emanating from the office of the Moroccan embassy in Ghana points to the fact that Addoha construction company is coming to Ghana to create a practical presence by assisting government fulfill its in the housing sector, open a cement factory in the western region and also establish a bank (wafa Tijari)in Ghana.

Development in Africa

The Addoha group has consolidated its leadership in Africa by signing four agreements for the development of real estate projects an initial consistency over 6000 low cost housing in Cote d’voire, Cameroon, Guinea and Congo Brazzaville. The first land acquisitions were completed in 2012.

Development of new partnerships

Under the partnership with ALEM, four programs were allowed to Casablanca and Oudja, and another is under authorization Kenitra for a total consistency of 38, 000 social housing.

Presence in new markets

The group launched new projects in three new cities (Tetoun, Oudja and El Jadida), strengthening its market share. The Addoha currently operates in 17 major cities of the Kingdom.

Expansion of tax base

In order to ensure the sustainability of its business, the group has further expanded its tax base in 2012 through the acquisition of strategic land, including 200 hectares of the Casablanca- Rabat axis, corresponding to 40, 000 additional housing. In 2012, outflows related to the acquisition of land recorded in the amount of 2.1 billion dirhams.

Establishment of a strategic plan

The group initiated in 2012 a series of strategic actions to strengthen its financial structure, particularly through the optimization of working capital and financing of the property tax base, and master overhead.

The year 2012 was marked by significant achievements Addoha group. The group has demonstrated a high level of responsiveness to adapt to a difficult economic environment.

In terms of sale

The group has good performance trade resulting from an aggressive marketing policy that allowed the marketing of goods in 2012, with all the secure sales of the group at 16 billion dirhams.

In terms of production

The group produced 26, 861 property titled to land conservation in 2012, allowing it to maintain its leadership position in the market.

At the end of 2012, the final sales of Addoha group included 25 627 units, consisting of 94% low cost housing and mid range.

Among the itinerary of the visiting C.E.O of Addoha construction company Mr. Anas Sefriou will include a meeting with president Mahama at the flagstaff house, the minister of finance Mr. Seth Terkper, minister for water resources works and housing Hon. Collins Dauda and executives of Ghana real estate’s development association (GREDA).