A dispute is brewing in Ghana’s construction sector over proposed regulations aimed at controlling cement prices. The Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana (COCMAG) has raised concerns about the Ghana Standards Authority’s (GSA) pricing regulations, which it sees as an attempt at price control.
The GSA’s Director-General, Prof. Alex Dodoo, and some parliamentarians argue that the regulations will ensure transparency in the industry. However, COCMAG claims that the rules will give a government committee excessive power to reject prices without explanation or appeal.
The regulations have sparked concerns about the lack of consultation and the committee’s expertise in setting prices. The cement industry faces challenges such as currency depreciation, which has increased production costs. Despite this, the industry has absorbed some costs and maintained competitive prices.
COCMAG argues that the regulations could lead to reduced production, job losses, and discouraged investment. Other professional bodies have also expressed opposition to the regulations.
