Ghana warned of cartel behavior signs over cement surcharge
The Ghana Cement Manufacturers Chamber has introduced a uniform surcharge on cement to cover demurrage costs, drawing criticism from competition watchdogs. CUTS International warns that this collective pricing may constitute illegal cartel behavior.
Why it matters
Highlights potential antitrust violations and the impact of supply chain costs on consumer prices.
--> CUTS International’s analytical center in Accra expressed competition concerns after the Ghana Cement Manufacturers Chamber (COCMAG) decided to introduce a uniform surcharge of 12 Ghanaian cedis per bag of cement due to demurrage costs for clinker vessels at the Port of Tema. According to MyJoyOnline , CUTS believes that competitors jointly agreeing on an identical price component shows signs of possible cartel behavior.
COCMAG said that the average waiting time for vessels at the Port of Tema increased from seven days in January to between 30 and more than 40 days in August 2026. The industry estimated demurrage costs for the first eight months of the year at $45–50 million.
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