Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-04-05 15:53:17
A committee comprising nine members has been established to oversee the advancement and expansion of local cement production in the nation.
The main objective of the committee is to supervise and coordinate activities related to cement manufacturing in accordance with the regulations governing the production of cement.
The committee is comprised of the following members: Professor Alex Dodoo from the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) serving as the Chairman, Mr Francis Kojo Eshun from GSA, Mr Kofi Addo from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mr Gyimah Mohammed from the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, and Mr Saeed Foroco from the Environmental Protection Agency. Other members include Mr Ebenezer Kwesi Haizel from the Ghana Institution of Engineering, Dr Frank Huber from the Association of Ghana Industries, Dr George Dawson Ahmoah from the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers of Ghana, and Dr Mark Bediako, an Expert in the manufacture of cement nominated by the Minister.
During the inauguration ceremony held in Accra, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Kobina T. Hammond, emphasized the importance of setting up institutional mechanisms to regulate the development of cement manufacturing. He highlighted that the establishment of the Cement Manufacturing Development Committee aligns with the Ghana Standards Authority (Manufacture of Cement) Regulations, 2023 (LI 2480).
The committee has been tasked with providing recommendations to the minister on the approval of applications for registration and licensing of cement manufacturers. Additionally, they are responsible for evaluating local content and participation plans, promoting the manufacture, wholesale, and retail of cement and its components.
Mr Hammond urged the committee members to create a conducive environment for investment in the cement industry by collaborating with industry stakeholders to address their needs, challenges, and opportunities. He also emphasized the requirement for cement manufacturers to register with the committee as per the regulations.
The minister directed the committee to approach this national assignment with diligence to ensure quality and integrity in the production of cement. The regulations stipulate that any individual seeking to manufacture cement in the country must apply for registration with the Cement Manufacturing Development Committee.
In response, Prof Dodoo expressed gratitude to the minister for entrusting them with the responsibility of overseeing the development of cement manufacturing in the nation.
Overall, the committee’s primary focus is to regulate and facilitate the growth of local cement production while ensuring adherence to regulations and standards set forth by the authorities. Through collaboration and diligence, the committee aims to enhance the quality and integrity of cement manufacturing in the country.
Written by Cecilia Lagba Yada.
Read the original article on Ghanaian Times
