The Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana (COCMAG) has introduced a temporary GH¢12 surcharge per bag of cement to offset rising clinker demurrage costs caused by severe congestion at the Tema Port.
The surcharge comprises GH¢10 before tax and GH¢2 in applicable taxes and levies. According to COCMAG, the measure became necessary as cement manufacturers face prolonged vessel waiting times and escalating operational costs.
The decision was reached at an emergency meeting on Friday, August 28, 2026, according to the Chamber’s Chairman, Dr George Dawson-Ahmoah.
COCMAG said waiting times for vessels carrying clinker, a key raw material for cement production, had increased significantly from an average of seven days in January to between 30 and more than 40 days in August.
The prolonged delays have reportedly generated between US$45 million and US$50 million in industry-wide demurrage costs during the first eight months of 2026. Individual vessels are also said to be incurring demurrage charges of between US$800,000 and US$1 million.
Surcharge to remain until December
COCMAG stressed that the GH¢12 charge should not be regarded as a general increase in cement prices. It described the measure as a temporary intervention intended specifically to recover extraordinary demurrage costs resulting from the port congestion.
The surcharge will remain in effect until December 31, 2026, subject to monthly reviews of conditions at the port. A comprehensive assessment is scheduled for January 2027 to determine whether the measure should be maintained, adjusted or withdrawn.
The Chamber said limited berth availability at the Tema Port had contributed significantly to the delays. Only three main berths are currently available for clinker discharge, while Berths 10 and 11 remain inaccessible to cement importers and manufacturers.
COCMAG warned that continued congestion could extend shipment cycles to almost three months, potentially disrupting the regular supply of cement to the Ghanaian market and affecting construction activities.
COCMAG seeks urgent port intervention
The Chamber said it was engaging the Government and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to find urgent solutions to the congestion.
Proposed measures include reducing vessel waiting times, improving berth capacity and restoring access to Berths 10 and 11 for clinker vessels.
COCMAG said resolving the underlying logistical challenges was essential to preventing further accumulation of demurrage costs and ensuring a stable supply of clinker.
The Chamber reiterated that its preferred outcome was for congestion at the Tema Port to return to normal levels, allowing manufacturers to eliminate the additional costs and subsequently withdraw the surcharge.
COCMAG said it would continue working with government and port authorities to stabilise clinker supplies and minimise the impact of the disruption on cement manufacturers, consumers and the wider construction industry.
