Ghanaian producers call for level playing field

Cement producers in Ghana have appealed to the country’s Tariff Advisory Board (TAB) to create a level playing against increased volumes of imported cement.

During a recent meeting with Tawiah Akyea, chairman of the TAB, local cement producers urged the industry body to make a conscious effort to address the influx of imports.

Ghana News reported that the delegation, led by Dr George Dawson-Ahmoah, the Strategy and Corporate Affairs Director of GHACEM, noted that the situation had created an unfair competitive environment for local manufacturers. “A major concern with some of these imported cements is that the retail prices are lower than expected which leaves much to wonder whether the necessary tax are being paid to relevant authorities,” Dr Ahmoah noted.

He also called into question the quality of the cement arriving into the country. “We should not sit unconcerned because there is also the urgent need to address the unfair trade practice that leads to huge losses in revenue to the country,” he stated.

Mr Akyea, assured the cement delegation that the industry body would take measures to address the concerns brought forward by the domestic cement producers which also included Diamond Cement and Savannah Cement.