CUTS Warns Against Cartel Conduct As Cement Producers Agree On Uniform GH¢12 Surcharge
The think tank CUTS International has warned that a uniform GH¢12 surcharge imposed by Ghanaian cement manufacturers may constitute illegal cartel behavior. The manufacturers claim the surcharge is necessary to recover demurrage costs caused by port congestion.
Why it matters
This case raises significant antitrust concerns regarding how industries pass operational costs to consumers through collective price-setting.
Accra-based public policy think tank, CUTS International, has raised competition and antitrust concerns over the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana (COCMAG)’s decision to introduce a uniform GH¢12-per-bag clinker demurrage surcharge, warning that the move bears the hallmarks of cartel conduct.
In a statement issued on September 5, 2026, CUTS acknowledged the serious cost pressures facing cement manufacturers due to congestion at Tema Port.
According to COCMAG, vessel waiting times increased from an average of seven days in January to between 30 and over 40 days in August 2026, resulting in estimated industry-wide demurrage costs of US$45 million to US$50 million during the first eight months of the year.
CUTS said it does not dispute the industry’s right to recover legitimate costs, but is concerned about how those costs are passed on to consumers.
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