Government has reiterated its commitment to import substitution, price stability and local manufacturing as core elements of Ghana’s industrialisation agenda, following a high-level visit to three major production facilities at the Tema Free Zones Enclave.
The tour, led by Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, covered CBI Ghana Ltd. (Supacem Cement), Ciments de L’Afrique Ghana Ltd. (CIMAF) and Rider Steel, and formed part of broader industry engagement efforts to assess production capacity, cost pressures and pricing dynamics across the manufacturing sector.
Import Substitution as an Economic Strategy
Reducing Dependence on Imports
At CBI Ghana Ltd., producers of Supacem Cement, management outlined investments of about $145 million since 2016, highlighting the adoption of calcined clay (LC3) technology to reduce reliance on imported clinker.
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The technology, which substitutes imported clinker with locally available materials, has helped lower production costs, reduce foreign exchange exposure and strengthen local value addition.
“Reducing imports strengthens our economy, creates jobs, saves foreign exchange and ultimately benefits consumers through better pricing,” Ofosu-Adjare said, describing the innovation as fully aligned with government’s import substitution agenda.
Balancing Producer Sustainability and Consumer Protection
Price Stability Under Pressure
Despite ongoing cost pressures, the minister commended CBI Ghana for maintaining stable cement prices, noting that government policy remains focused on balancing producer profitability with consumer protection.
She added that authorities will continue to support manufacturers, particularly in addressing energy costs, which remain a key driver of production expenses across the industrial sector.
CIMAF and Capacity to Support Infrastructure Growth
Manufacturing at Scale
At CIMAF Ghana, executives outlined the company’s installed grinding capacity of 2.2 million metric tonnes, positioning it to meet rising demand linked to infrastructure development and construction activity.
Discussions during the visit extended beyond pricing to include quality standards, workplace safety, gender inclusion and the broader impact of macroeconomic conditions on manufacturing costs.
Ofosu-Adjare said recent stability in the cedi should translate into tangible gains for both producers and consumers, while acknowledging persistent challenges related to energy pricing and access to raw materials.
“We want a win-win situation,” she said. “Industry must get a return on investment, and Ghanaians must enjoy quality products at good prices.”
Steel Manufacturing and Raw Material Security
Keeping Inputs at Home
The final stop at Rider Steel focused on broader industrial policy measures, including the government’s ban on the export of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metals. The policy is intended to ensure steady raw material availability for local steel producers and allow plants to operate closer to full capacity.
The minister said the measure supports job creation while strengthening domestic value chains, especially in energy-intensive industries such as steel manufacturing.
Ofosu-Adjare expressed satisfaction with Rider Steel’s operations, noting its use of local inputs and attention to staff welfare, and reiterated the government’s commitment to continued engagement with steel manufacturers to maintain price stability and enforce industry standards.
Private Sector at the Centre of Industrialisation
Policy Support and Collaboration
Across all three facilities, the minister emphasized that a strong private sector remains central to Ghana’s industrialisation drive. Government, she said, will continue to provide policy support, promote innovation and encourage inter-agency collaboration to build a competitive manufacturing base.
As Ghana seeks to deepen import substitution, stabilise prices and expand local production, the engagement at Tema Free Zones highlights the government’s intent to anchor industrial growth in domestic capacity, innovation and sustained dialogue with manufacturers.
FAQs
What is Ghana’s import substitution policy?
It aims to reduce reliance on imported goods by supporting local manufacturing and value addition.
Why is LC3 technology important in cement production?
It reduces dependence on imported clinker, lowers costs and saves foreign exchange.
What role does price stability play in industrial policy?
It protects consumers while ensuring manufacturers remain profitable and sustainable.
Why has Ghana banned scrap metal exports?
To ensure raw material availability for local steel producers and support job creation.
How does government support manufacturers?
Through policy backing, engagement on energy costs, standards enforcement and innovation support.
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on January 27, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
