Cement Prices: GH¢95 Is Fairer Than the Unjust GH¢120–Hon Agbodza Slams Industry Over Price Discrepancies

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Kwame Agbodza, has taken a strong stance against what he describes as the unjustifiably high prices of cement in Ghana, questioning the GH¢120 per bag price currently being charged by some dealers.

According to him, a fair and realistic price for cement, given the current economic conditions, should be around GH¢95 per bag.

Addressing the media in Parliament ahead of the presentation of the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review, the Minister did not mince words. “In my view, GH¢95 makes sense instead of the so-called GH¢120 cedis, which I call rent-seeking and so much unfair to the ordinary Ghanaian,” he said.

He criticised the growing disparity between the actual production costs of cement and the market prices, describing it as exploitative.

Mr. Agbodza pointed out that although the Ghanaian economy has seen some level of currency stability and overall improvement in recent months, cement producers and distributors have failed to adjust their prices accordingly, unlike other sectors.

“Whilst every other commodity in terms of price has responded to the gains we have all made together as a country and as a people by reducing prices, cement dealers are refusing to pass on the gains to buyers,” he lamented.

Cement prices across Ghana have seen sharp variations in recent months, with some retail outlets charging as much as GH¢120 per 50kg bag, while others are selling the same product between GH¢95 and GH¢105.

This discrepancy, the Minister said, is unacceptable and places undue pressure on consumers, especially in the construction sector.

Hon. Agbodza emphasized that the inflated cement prices have broader implications for the country, particularly in the implementation of government-funded infrastructure projects.

“Because the price of cement is directly linked to the cost of government projects, and invariably, it is the Ghanaian taxpayer who will pay for those projects,” he stated.

He warned that the Ministry will begin reconsidering which suppliers are awarded government contracts, taking into account their pricing practices.

“We will be more aligned to producers who are ready to pass on the gains made in the economy in terms of currency stability to consumers,” the Minister cautioned.

Hon. Agbodza further condemned the reluctance of cement dealers to reduce their prices, especially at a time when even local food vendors have adjusted their prices upward in response to economic trends.

“It is unacceptable that we can all make sacrifices as a country, yet cement dealers refuse to pass on gains to the people. This rent-seeking must stop,” he declared.

He also touched on the rising preference for imported cement, saying local producers risk losing market share if their prices continue to soar beyond reason.

“If even Ghanaian cement producers have made themselves the most expensive, what do you think the average person buying cement will do? He will source it from a cheaper source,” he said.

The Roads and Highways Minister revealed that government is gearing up to roll out a significant road infrastructure programme, and assured the public that cement for these projects would be sourced from the most affordable and competitive suppliers.

“Government is about to unveil a massive road infrastructure project. We shall ensure that cement used for government projects is sourced from the cheapest suppliers on the market. It is as simple as that,” he concluded.