The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Hon. Lawyer Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare has taken a firm stand against the growing menace of substandard cement production in Ghana. In a decisive meeting with cement manufacturing companies, she outlined her commitment to safeguarding consumers, construction professionals, and property owners from the dangers posed by inferior cement products in the market.
During the meeting, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare emphasized the importance of upholding quality standards as a cornerstone for the growth of Ghana’s construction industry and the protection of public safety. With immediate effect, she authorized the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to shut down any cement manufacturing company found guilty of producing substandard products.
“This decisive action is necessary to protect the integrity of our industry and ensure the safety of Ghanaians,” the Minister stated. “Substandard cement products not only jeopardize lives but also undermine the confidence of industry professionals and property owners. We can not allow this to continue.”
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare directed the GSA to carry out comprehensive inspections across the industry and take swift action against defaulters. She made it clear that any company found in breach of the required standards would have its operations suspended until it demonstrated full compliance with Ghanaian quality benchmarks.
The Minister also highlighted the legal backing for these actions, referencing the Cement Manufacturers Development Committee Regulation (L.I. 2480), which empowers her, through the committee, to withdraw the licenses of non-compliant manufacturers. Additionally, the Ghana Standards Authority Act, 2022 (Act 1,078), grants the GSA the authority to halt the sale, production, or distribution of any product that fails to meet national standards.
Her bold stance was met with mixed reactions from industry players, some of whom pledged to align their production processes with the stipulated standards. Others, however, expressed concerns about the impact of sudden shutdowns on their businesses. Nevertheless, the Minister remained resolute, stressing that public safety and industry credibility must take precedence.
In her closing remarks, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare urged all stakeholders in the cement manufacturing sector to prioritize quality assurance and compliance. “Let us work together to build an industry rooted in excellence, reliability, and safety,” she said.
The move marks a significant step toward ensuring the construction sector operates on a foundation of trust and high standards, signalling the government’s unwavering commitment to industry reform.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
