Mr Kobby Adams, Commercial Manager of CBI Ghana, which manufactures SUPACEM cements, claims that the inability to obtain local materials for cement production is the primary cause of cement prices increase.
He explained that since a material like clinker, which is used to manufacture the product, is not manufactured in the country, it must be IMPORTED at a high cost in order to make the cements.
“The increasing cost of cement is due to the unavailability of certain goods, which are imported in large quantities at exorbitant prices, combined with the unsustainable and high import charges,” he explained.
Mr Adams made the remarks during an interview with the Ghana News Agency on the sidelines of SUPACEM’s Distributors Appreciation Day, a celebration honoring loyal customers and distributors.
The aim of the event was to show the company’s appreciation to their distributors who had done business with them in 2020.
Mr Adams reported that COVID-19 took a toll on the construction industry last year, but that the industry was doing well after the government eased restrictions in the latter part of the year.
He mentioned that business was picking up this year, and that they expected to have a profitable year following the COVID-19 lockdown.
According to the Commercial Manager, the industry is facing a challenge as a result of the flood of low-quality construction materials into the local market.
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He claimed that these goods were of lower quality and inferior to those produced locally, causing many people to purchase them despite the obvious consequences.
“The introduction of low-quality construction materials into the local market is a big challenge we face as an industry. Since they are inferior, the prices are lower; however, most consumers purchase them without realizing they are inferior, and later have problems with their structures,” he said.
He said that they would work with the government and other regulatory bodies to rectify the situation and promote made-in-Ghana products in order to grow the economy and the industry.
Mr Frederic Paul Albrecht, Managing Director of CBI Ghana, stated that there was a high demand for cement across the region, so CBI decided to expand into new territories in order to serve more customers.
He said that the distributors stood out with their distributions, which aided the company’s expected growth, earning them praise.
He continued, “CBI pledges to proceed with the expansion in order to attract and satisfy more customers.”
SUPACEM cement distributors Nana K. Gyasi Company Limited, K. Ofori Company Limited, K. K. Enterprise, Codanso Enterprise, and St Julian Enterprise, among others, were honored at the event.
SOURCE:ATLFMONLINE
