The government has announced plans to intensify dredging works at the Tema Port in a bid to resolve operational challenges that have left several clinker shipments stranded at the harbour and disrupted supply chains for cement manufacturers.

The move comes after industry players raised concerns over persistent congestion at the port, which has lasted for more than two weeks and slowed the discharge of essential raw materials used in cement production.

Manufacturers warn that the delays risk affecting production schedules, increasing operational costs, and potentially pushing up prices within Ghana’s construction sector if the situation is not resolved quickly.

Speaking to journalists after a stakeholder engagement, the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, assured industry players that the government has already begun taking concrete steps to improve access to the port and restore smooth vessel movement.

“There is not any assurance on paper. It is already work ongoing. We started the dredging last year and in two weeks time all the three births will have their complete dredging and bigger vessels will now come and that will now see a free flow of vessels at their terminals or their birthing place.

“So it was a nice meeting. We met with them. They were so happy with government’s work and we believe that when the port is finally drained, it will be able to bring in bigger vessels and which will let us see a reduction in cost of doing business or the turnaround time at the port.”