Accra: Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, has inaugurated the Portland Cement Monitoring Committee with a mandate to address the influx of substandard cement products in the Ghanaian market. Highlighting the critical role the cement industry plays in the nation's infrastructure development, she expressed concern over the proliferation of inferior imported products, warning of their potential impact on infrastructure durability and safety.

According to Ghana News Agency, the newly formed nine-member committee will be chaired by Mr. Noah Tumfo, Chief Director at the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry. Other members include Ms. Suweibatu Adam, Mr. Benjamin Yeboah, Mr. Clifford Frimpong, and Reverend Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, among others, all representing various key sectors related to trade, environment, and industry.

Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing standards within the cement sector, viewing the committee's establishment as a step towards maintaining the integrity of the industry. The committee's responsibilities include enforcing existing regulations, monitoring compliance, and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure quality standards while considering commodity pricing.

In addition to regulatory oversight, the committee is tasked with providing the government with recommendations to sustain industry growth and safeguard public interests. The Minister assured the committee of the Ministry's full support and urged cement manufacturers to adjust prices in response to the country's stable economic conditions, aiming to alleviate consumer burdens and reduce the smuggling of inferior products.

Mr. Tumfo, the committee's chair, committed to addressing the issue of inferior product smuggling, underscoring the importance of a robust cement industry to Ghana's economy. He pledged to work diligently to prevent any potential collapse within the sector.