The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has urged cement manufacturers in Ghana to increase the use of locally available raw materials to reduce reliance on imported clinker and promote sustainable cement production.

Speaking at INTERCEM Africa 2026 in Accra, the minister said innovation was critical to the future of Ghana’s cement industry, stressing the need to develop cost-effective production systems that make better use of the country’s natural resources.

She highlighted advancements in Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3), citing the efforts of CBI Ghana and Ghacem as examples of how the industry can reduce clinker consumption while maintaining production efficiency.

The minister noted that Ghana’s industrialisation drive would continue to increase demand for cement, making it necessary to adopt environmentally sustainable production methods and strengthen import substitution efforts.

INTERCEM Africa 2026, organised in partnership with the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana (COCMAG), brought together delegates from about 40 countries and more than 100 companies to discuss the future of cement production.

Chairman of COCMAG and Chief Executive Officer of CBI Ghana, Frederic Albrecht, said Ghana remains heavily dependent on imported clinker because the country lacks suitable limestone deposits for clinker production.

According to him, rising fuel prices, port congestion and global supply chain disruptions have increased the cost of clinker imports, making the use of alternative local materials essential for the industry’s sustainability and competitiveness.

He said products developed with reduced clinker content demonstrate how Ghana can leverage local resources to lower production costs and improve efficiency.

Chief Executive Officer of COCMAG, Bishop Dr George Dawson-Ahmoah, said the conference was aimed at promoting a sustainable cement industry capable of supporting economic growth through environmentally friendly production methods.

He noted that Ghana is gradually reducing its dependence on clinker through the use of clay and other local materials, describing the shift as an important step towards more sustainable and cost-effective cement production.

The conference featured discussions on LC3 technology, global cement market trends, net-zero transition strategies, shipping and port challenges in West Africa, and developments in global clinker supply.