Trade and Industry Minister KT Hammond has expressed concern over a recent surge in cement prices, attributing it to what he calls a “conspiracy” among producers and importers.
Mr Hammond further questioned the basis for the increase, stressing that the government has already created a favorable environment for these businesses.
“The government has provided the necessary ambience and regulatory framework, the proper environment for these companies to operate and do their businesses profitably. I expect that they make their reasonable profits, but what I don’t accept is for them to take the people of Ghana for granted”, he stressed.
“I can’t understand the basis for the increase”, he wondered.
The seeming surge in the price of cement seems to be contrary to what Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia said in December 2023.
Touting the government’s achievements Dr Bawumia had said “What is remarkable is that prices of items that we normally buy are falling, cement prices are falling, fuel prices have fallen, cooking oil prices are falling, iron rod prices, rice prices are falling, maize prices are falling and this is telling us that something is happening because normally we see increases, but we are seeing a decline in pricing.”
But Mr Hammond who was speaking to the media in Kumasi on Wednesday (4 January) said his outfit will, in the coming days, announce series of actions to deal with the situation.
“You reciprocate the government’s gesture by being sensible with your pricing; you don’t rip off the people of this country…but the Ministry will issue a statement in due course”, he stated.
SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH
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