The Minister of Trade and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has toured cement and steel manufacturing companies in the Tema Free Zones Enclave as part of ongoing government engagements to ensure fair pricing and high product quality while sustaining industrial growth.

The minister, who was accompanied by her deputy, Sampson Ahi, and officials of the ministry, visited Continental Blue Investment (CBI) Ghana Ltd, producers of Supacem Cement; CIMAF Ghana Ltd, a Moroccan-owned cement manufacturing company, and Rider Steel Company Ltd.

She also engaged with workers at the various plants and assured them of the government’s commitment to address challenges confronting the manufacturing sector.

Mrs Ofosu-Agyare said the tour followed recent discussions between her ministry and cement and steel manufacturers on pricing structures and quality standards.

She explained that the visit was also meant to provide first-hand insight into production processes and challenges, and also develop joint strategies with industry players to ensure a win-win outcome.

The minister said consumers were increasingly demanding affordable prices without compromising on quality.

"It has become clear that consumers are interested in quality products at fair prices.

The cost of doing business is inevitably passed on to consumers, as the cost of production ultimately determines pricing.

"Over time, key factors affecting industry pricing have included the high cost of borrowing and exchange rate volatility.

Fortunately, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, the exchange rate has stabilised and declined significantly.

"As a result, citizens are also expecting to feel the benefits of this improvement, just as industry is expected to earn fair returns on its investments.

The government policies are intended to support both consumers and manufacturers, ensuring shared gains across the economy," she said.

Collaboration

Mrs Ofosu-Agyare said that with the recent improvement in the economy, particularly the stabilisation and appreciation of the cedi, which she attributed to the leadership of

President John Dramani Mahama, consumers expected to feel the benefits of the stability through reduced prices, just as the government expects industry to remain profitable and competitive.

She pledged her commitment to working closely with manufacturers to address additional cost pressures beyond exchange rates, stressing that the government would support measures that lower operational costs while maintaining product quality.

The General Manager of CIMAF Ghana Ltd, Omar El Ghaouti, commended the government for the recent economic stability while highlighting persistent cost pressures facing cement manufacturers.

He outlined CIMAF’s contribution to Ghana’s economic development and its commitment to working transparently with regulators.

"Thank you again for coming. Actually, you know, we commend the effort of the government to make this city safe, which is helping our businesses.

Thank you for the efforts, we appreciate that," Mr Ghaouti added.

He said cement prices had declined over the past five to six months, but he expressed concern over high electricity tariffs and clean energy-related charges and penalties as major cost drivers that are still affecting production.