The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has issued a stern warning against the smuggling and unlicensed importation of Portland cement, citing threats to both industry and public safety.
In a statement released in Accra, the Ministry confirmed a crackdown on unauthorised trade, with offenders facing seizure of goods, fines, and possible prosecution under Ghanaian law. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance with the Export and Import Restrictions on Importation of Portland Cement Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2240).
The Ministry emphasised that no import licences for Portland cement have been issued since the Minister assumed office. “This means that any ongoing importation of the product without a valid, requisite license is illegal and directly subject to punitive measures,” the statement said.
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To strengthen enforcement, the Ministry has enhanced collaboration with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA). The joint effort aims to tighten border monitoring, conduct market inspections, and enforce regulations across the cement value chain.
“The goal is to ensure that only certified and licensed importers and manufacturers are permitted to operate in the country, thereby safeguarding the quality and integrity of Ghana’s construction sector,” the Ministry added.
Stakeholders and the public have been urged to support the initiative by refraining from illegal imports and reporting any suspicious activities related to Portland cement to the appropriate authorities.
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