Omanghana
The government has introduced emergency measures to address severe logistical challenges at the Port of Tema and accelerate the discharge of clinker imported by cement manufacturers.
As part of the intervention, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority has temporarily allocated an additional berth to clinker-carrying vessels affected by prolonged waiting times at the port.
The decision followed an emergency inspection by the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, and the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe.
The Cement Manufacturers Association of Ghana said the average waiting time for vessels at Tema Port increased sharply from about seven days in January to between 30 and 40 days by August.
According to the association, the delays resulted in the cement industry accumulating between $45 million and $50 million in demurrage charges during the first eight months of the year.
Demurrage charges are penalties imposed when a vessel or cargo remains at a port beyond the agreed period. The cost is typically transferred to importers and can eventually affect prices paid by consumers.
To offset part of the growing financial burden, COCMAG introduced a temporary GH¢12 clinker demurrage surcharge on each bag of cement. The measure is expected to remain in effect until December 31.
The surcharge has generated concern about its potential effect on retail cement prices, construction costs and the broader housing sector.
During the inspection, government officials and port authorities agreed to temporarily release an additional berth dedicated to clearing the backlog of vessels carrying clinker.
The arrangement is expected to ease pressure on existing berths, reduce vessel waiting periods and enable cement manufacturers to receive their raw materials more quickly.
Officials also announced the completion of dredging works at the port’s bulk cargo section. The exercise will enable the facility to accommodate larger bulk carriers with deeper drafts and improve the handling of clinker and other raw materials.
The Ghana Revenue Authority has also introduced streamlined customs procedures to accelerate duty payments and reduce the amount of time imported materials remain at the port after discharge.
Government representatives expressed confidence that the combined measures would lower operational costs and prevent additional pressure on cement prices.
The GPHA, however, maintained that congestion at the port was not solely responsible for the delays. It identified vessel scheduling and inland transport difficulties as other factors contributing to the slow movement of clinker.
The authority said resolving the problem would require continued cooperation among shipping companies, customs officials, port operators, transporters and cement manufacturers.
The emergency measures are expected to stabilize clinker imports, limit further demurrage costs and protect consumers from additional increases in cement prices.
Source: Omanghana
