A truck load of cement
The Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana (COCMAG) has announced the introduction of a temporary GH¢12.00 per bag clinker demurrage surcharge, citing severe congestion at the Tema Port and rising operational costs.
According to COCMAG, the surcharge consists of GH¢ 10.00 before tax and GH¢2.00 in applicable taxes and levies.
COCMAG, following an emergency meeting, revealed that vessel waiting times at the Tema Port have surged dramatically from an average of seven days in January to between 30 and over 40 days in August 2026.
This sharp increase has led to estimated industry-wide demurrage costs of between US$45 million and US$50 million within the first eight months of the year.
Individual vessels are reportedly incurring demurrage charges ranging from US$800,000 to as high as US$1 million.
The Chamber emphasized that the newly introduced surcharge should not be misconstrued as a general increase in cement prices. Rather, it is a temporary intervention aimed at offsetting extraordinary costs resulting directly from port congestion and extended vessel waiting periods.
COCMAG leadership, led by Chairman Frederic Albrecht and Chief Executive Officer Bishop Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, has raised concerns over the broader implications of the situation.
They warned that continued congestion threatens the stability of clinker supply, noting that shipment cycles could extend to nearly three months if the situation persists.
In response, the Chamber is actively engaging the government and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to implement urgent corrective measures.
These include reducing vessel waiting times, improving berth capacity, and restoring access to Berths 10 and 11 for clinker vessels.
COCMAG has indicated that the surcharge is strictly temporary and will remain in effect until December 31, 2026.
A formal review is scheduled for January 2027, with the Chamber committing to monitor the situation on a monthly basis and adjust or remove the surcharge once port congestion normalizes.
A Daily Guide Report