Ghana: Dangote appeals for ban on Chinese imports

Dangote has called on the government of Ghana to ban imports of Chinese cement, warning that the measure is necessary to save local producers from collapse, Ghanaweb reports.

In addition to the economic impact of such imports, Dangote also claimed that Chinese cement was not subject to proper quality checks and as such could put consumers at risk. Joseph Abo, sales and marketing manager of Dangote Cement, said the use of this cement meant Ghana was “building our death traps”.

Tor Nygard, director of Dangote’s Tema plant, said: “Importation of Chinese cement is indirectly affecting all the local manufacturers – Diamond Cement, Dangote Cement, GHACEM among others. Those who import it are not paying the taxes they are supposed to pay. They pay very low tax and therefore make low contribution to the Ghanaian economy. No employment – they only ship straight to the customers”.

Dangote currently sources the cement it sells in Ghana from Nigeria, but is unlikely to be affected by attempts to restrict imports as both countries are members of ECOWAS. The company is also building a 1.5Mta grinding plant in Takoradi.