The Chamber believes the intervention could lower vessel waiting times and, consequently, the demurrage costs incurred by cement manufacturers.

Executive Secretary of the Chamber, Bishop Dr George Dawson-Ahmoah, told Citi  Business  News that a reduction in demurrage and other port-related expenses could translate into lower production costs.

“If the cost of demurrage is reduced, or any other cost related to production is reduced, it affects your cost price.”

His comments follow a September 11, 2026 engagement involving the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe and port authorities to find solutions to delays in the discharge of clinker at the Tema Port.

According to the Chamber, rising volumes of clinker imports have placed significant pressure on the limited berthing capacity at the port.

This has resulted in vessels spending longer periods at anchorage before they can discharge their cargo, exposing manufacturers to higher demurrage bills.

Dr Dawson-Ahmoah said the temporary allocation of an additional berth is therefore a welcome intervention, particularly if it helps improve vessel turnaround times.

“We are hoping that at the end of this visit, there will be additional berths for the discharge of clinker to reduce the delay at anchorage, which actually comes with costs, which affect the production costs.”

For cement manufacturers, the issue goes beyond port logistics.

Higher demurrage adds to the cost of bringing clinker into the country, increasing the overall cost of production and creating additional pressure on manufacturers’ pricing decisions.

The Chamber Executive Secretary maintained that cement manufacturers have little interest in increasing prices, arguing that recent price pressures have largely been driven by rising production costs.

“Cement manufacturers are not interested in cement prices. Absolutely not interested.”

He said the cost pressures are largely driven by factors affecting production, including demurrage resulting from prolonged delays in discharging clinker vessels.

“It is unfortunate. It is not something which is palatable. It is not something which the cement manufacturers are happy to do. But it comes as a result of increasing production costs.”

Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah said the industry has experienced a significant increase in demurrage-related costs this year compared with previous years.

He believes resolving the berth constraints and reducing vessel waiting times could help bring down production costs and reduce pressure for further increases in cement prices.

The Chamber says it will monitor the outcome of the temporary berth arrangement and its impact on vessel turnaround times and the cost of cement production.