The government is set to embark on an ambitious nationwide road infrastructure programme, with a strong emphasis on sourcing materials from suppliers who offer fair pricing, particularly in the cement sector.

Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodza Governs, announced that only cement dealers who reduce their prices in line with recent exchange rate gains will be considered for supply contracts under the upcoming projects.

According to the Minister, the current price of cement remains unreasonably high despite improvements in the value of the Ghanaian Cedi against major foreign currencies.

Mr Agbodza expressed concern over the high cost of cement, which he said directly affects the cost of public infrastructure and, ultimately, taxpayers. 

“The price of cement is directly linked to the cost of government projects and indirectly, it is the Ghanaian taxpayer who will pay for those projects,” he said.

He urged cement dealers to reduce prices in line with gains made from the appreciation of the cedi and other economic improvements. 

“Cement producers who are refusing to pass on the gains made in the economy in terms of stability of the currency to consumers will not be favoured,” he warned.

“This rent-seeking must stop.”

He noted that the government is not introducing price controls but is demanding fair pricing.

“I’m not trying to control prices, but I believe that everybody, including yourselves, knows that even trotro drivers and fuel traders have reduced their prices.

What justification do we have for cement dealers not to do the same?” he asked journalists.

He said a fair price for cement should be around GH¢95 per bag, rather than the current GH¢120 in some markets. 

“From the calculation that I’ve seen, I will not be surprised if it is not out of place for cement to be sold at GH¢95. Of course, prices will differ slightly due to transport costs, but GH¢120 is just not fair to Ghanaians.”

Responding to claims from cement producers that imported clinker drives up costs, the Minister countered that the stronger cedi has lowered import costs. 

He described the pricing trends as unjustifiable and detrimental to national development.

“The exchange rate has improved, yet the price of cement remains disproportionately high.

This does not reflect market realities, and we will not tolerate profiteering at the expense of taxpayers,” Mr. Agbodza stated.

As part of the government’s effort to ensure value for money and efficiency in the execution of public infrastructure projects, the Roads Ministry will prioritise sourcing cement and other construction materials from dealers who demonstrate pricing integrity.

The Minister's remarks come at a time when the government is preparing to launch several critical road projects aimed at improving connectivity, easing traffic congestion, and boosting economic activity across the country.

He urged players in the cement industry to respond to market signals and align their prices accordingly, warning that failure to do so would result in exclusion from government contracts.

The Ministry is expected to unveil a list of approved suppliers in the coming weeks as part of a broader transparency and procurement reform initiative.