Shortage Warning: Cement Makers Say Price Controls Could Cripple
- Proposed LI could lead to reduced production
- The Chamber of Cement Manufacturers has been at odds
- He disagrees with claims of political motivation
The CEO of the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Dr. George Dawson-Amoah, has warned that a proposed Legislative Instrument (LI) aimed at controlling cement prices could lead to reduced production and potential shortages in Ghana.
He argues that forcing producers to sell at unprofitable prices would distort the market, deter investment, and impact workers.
Dr. Dawson-Amoah believes the government’s motivation is political rather than economic, and questions the timing of the proposal in an election year.
The Chamber of Cement Manufacturers has been at odds with the sector ministry over the proposed LI, which they claim fails to address the root causes of cement price escalation and undermines fairness and transparency.
The Trade Minister has laid the LI in Parliament, despite the Chamber’s objections and lack of consultation.
However, Prof. Alex Dodoo, Director General of the Ghana Standards Board, supports regulation of the industry, noting that it has never been regulated before.
He disagrees with claims of political motivation, suggesting that the industry is simply resistant to change.
The debate highlights the tension between government control and industry autonomy, with potential implications for Ghana’s cement supply and economy.