Rev. Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah (Right) presents the cheque to Cassiel Ato Forson
GHACEM Limited has presented a cheque of GH¢4.5 million to government, representing an interim dividend payment on its 2016 accounts.
The amount represents government’s 400,000 shares held in the company.
The Strategy and Corporate Affairs Director of GHACEM, Rev. Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, presented the cheque on behalf of the company at a short ceremony at the Finance Ministry
In his remarks, Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah thanked government for the support over the years and urged them to guard the cement industry from unfair trade practices.
He stressed that “influx of imported bagged cement in the country is seriously affecting us and if this canker is not checked local industries cannot survive.
Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah, who doubles as Chairman of Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) Tema, said the growing incidence of unlicensed cement importation gives a clue to the ascendancy of cement smuggling into the country, which if not checked, could destabilize the operations of manufacturers.
Cassiel Ato Forson, Deputy Minister of Finance, who received the cheque on behalf of government, observed that GHACEM’s consistency in paying dividend showed a genuine commitment towards the company’s shareholders.
Government, he said, would take all necessary measures to ensure that the local cement industry is protected from unfair trade practices.