The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry of Ghana, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare (MP), has inaugurated the Fourth Portland Cement Monitoring Committee (PCMC IV) with a call on members to safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s cement industry and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
The event, held today, Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Ministry in Accra, brought together committee members, officials of the Ministry, and other stakeholders in the trade sector.
In her address, the Hon. Minister emphasized that the establishment of PCMC IV under the Export and Import (Restrictions on the Importation of Portland Cement) Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2240), demonstrates government’s renewed commitment to ensuring the durability, safety, and quality of cement products in the country.
“The cement industry is a critical ingredient of our infrastructural development. From roads and schools to hospitals and housing, cement is literally the foundation of our national progress,” Hon. Ofosu-Adjare stated. She warned that the influx of substandard imported cement posed risks to the safety of infrastructure and the competitiveness of local producers, hence the need for stronger oversight.
She charged the committee, chaired by the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. Noah Tumfo, to enforce relevant regulations, conduct effective monitoring, collaborate with stakeholders, and provide recommendations that would sustain growth in the sector while protecting the interests of Ghanaians.
According to her, the committee’s work goes beyond administrative functions and directly impacts the integrity of the construction sector and the safety of citizens. She encouraged members to uphold their oath of office, secrecy, and allegiance with dedication and integrity. “I want to assure you of the Ministry’s support in ensuring the success of your mandate. Together, let us build a stronger, more resilient cement industry that serves the best interests of Ghana,” she said.
The inauguration marks the fourth time such a committee has been constituted to regulate and monitor the cement industry, a sector described as vital to Ghana’s socio-economic growth and infrastructural development.
Chairman of the Committee and Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. Noah Tumfo, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in the members and assured that the Committee would work diligently to safeguard the sector. He pledged that the team would do everything possible to prevent the collapse of the cement industry, which he described as vital to Ghana’s economy.
Mr. Tumfo further noted that a key priority of the Committee would be tackling the challenge of cement smuggling into the country, with a particular focus on individuals and entities operating without the requisite licenses. He emphasized that addressing this menace was critical to protecting both the industry and the national interest.
Membership of the Committee:
The newly inaugurated PCMC IV is composed of representatives from government, industry, and stakeholder institutions as follows:
1. Mr. Noah Tumfo – Chief Director, Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MOTAI) – Chairman
2. Ms. Suweibatu Adams– Chief Director, Ministrr of Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation (MESTI) – Member
3. Mr. Benjamin Yeboah – Director (National Welfare), Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) – Member
4. Ing. Clifford Frimpong – Deputy Director General, Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) – Member
5. Rev. Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah – Chief Executive Officer, Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana – Member
6. Mr. Emmanuel Gilbert Ohene – Deputy Commissioner (Operations), Ghana Revenue Authority Customs Division – Member
7. Ing. Stephen Debrah Ablormeti – 1st Vice President, Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA) – Member
8. Mr. Frank Huber – Managing Director, GHACEM (Association of Ghana Industries Representative) – Member
9. Ing. Stephen Ampiaw – General Manager (Fishing Harbour), Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) – Member
