Tema Port congestion not behind rising cement costs — GPHA
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has pushed back against suggestions that congestion at the Tema Port is the main reason behind recent increases in cement prices, arguing that the cost of cement imports is shaped by a wider range of factors across the supply chain.
The response comes after the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana (COCMAG) attributed rising cement prices partly to delays and congestion at the country’s busiest seaport.
According to GPHA, port operations involving clinker and cement are governed by safety and operational requirements that influence how vessels are handled. The Authority said cargoes such as cement and clinker cannot always be processed alongside food commodities, including rice and wheat, affecting berth scheduling and vessel movement.
GPHA also pointed to logistics challenges beyond the port itself, particularly the limited availability of trucks to move imported clinker from the harbour. It noted that when cargo evacuation is slow, vessels can remain at berth for weeks, reducing space for incoming ships and affecting overall port operations.
The Authority further highlighted recent infrastructure improvements at Tema Port, including dredging works at Berths 13 and 14, which now allow larger vessels to dock. It said the development gives importers the opportunity to bring in bigger shipments and potentially reduce transportation costs.
Rather than focusing solely on congestion, GPHA said any assessment of cement prices should take into account vessel scheduling, cargo-handling methods, inland transport costs, trucking capacity and other commercial decisions made throughout the import chain.
It also encouraged cement manufacturers to adopt newer cargo-handling technologies available at the port, saying improved discharge systems could shorten vessel turnaround times and enhance operational efficiency.
Source: CNR
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